Issue No. 52 | February 2026
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
SWMDC Affiliation Programme 2026
The SWMDC Community and Voluntary Affiliation Programme is now open for 2026 applications.
SWMDC’s affiliation programme has been running for a number of years, and SWMDC community/voluntary Board members are drawn from this group when vacancies arise.
Also, affiliated members are included on a dedicated mailing list from SWMDC, which ensures that our members are first to know about programme and funding opportunities.
If your group would like to become affiliated to SWMDC, please contact info@southmayo.com for an application form.
Social Farming Meet Up
Social farmers from across the West Region came together for a farmer networking event in Claremorris.
The gathering provided an opportunity for farmers involved in social farming to exchange stories, discuss best practices, and highlight the positive impact the model is having on participants, families, and rural communities.
The event aimed to strengthen connections between farmers offering social farming placements and to support the continued growth of the initiative across the region. Attendees described the meet as both encouraging and energising, with many noting the value of hearing directly from peers engaged in similar work.
If you are interested in finding out more about Social Farming, please contact Deirdre Fahey on 087 623 3862 or dfahey@southmayo.com.
Staff Updates
Tony Hynes, former Tús Team Leader, has been promoted to the position of Social Employment and H&S Coordinator with SWMDC. Tony joins the Team Leads within SWMDC, and we wish him every success in this new role.
Lisa Anderson, Family Support Practitioner, joined our team in the month of February and joins our New Communities team working in the company. We are delighted to welcome Lisa to the SWMDC team.
Job Opportunities
There are some job vacancies open for applications with SWMDC as follows:
Project Development Officer (Part-Time) – Working on the LEADER programme, you will work with communities, businesses, and individuals who are interested in applying for funding for a wide range of grant aid and supports. With no two days the same, this is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate.
Closing date is Friday, 27th February at 5pm.
Social Farming Administrator (Part-Time) – Supporting the Social Farming Regional Coordinator, you will provide administrative assistance on this transformative programme for people in counties Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon.
Closing date is Monday, 2nd March at 12 noon.
Project Development Officer (Part Time) – Working on the delivery of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). This role forms part of the SICAP and the wider, Social Inclusion team, with additional collaboration across other SWMDC programmes such as New Communities, LEADER and social employment programmes, such as Tús and Community Employment for example.
Closing date is Monday, 2nd March at 5pm.
Connect Café Launches on Clare Island
On Friday, 30th January, the very first Connect Café took place on Clare Island, County Mayo, as part of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme’s (SICAP) Encouraging and Supporting Digital Inclusion initiative.
Designed as a welcoming space for tea, tech, and talk, the Connect Café invites people to learn about technology, bring along their digital queries, or simply enjoy some friendly community connection.
The inaugural event was held in the Clare Island Community Centre, where people gathered to share knowledge, troubleshoot devices, scratch a few heads, and enjoy plenty of tea and chocolate biscuits. The atmosphere was relaxed, supportive, and full of curiosity — exactly what the programme aims to foster.
Over the coming months, more Connect Café sessions will be hosted across the Mayo Islands. These events will explore a range of practical digital topics, including cybersecurity, keeping children safe online, spotting fraud and scams, backing up files, using social media, and much more.
The Connect Café is all about building confidence, strengthening digital skills, and bringing people together — one cup of tea at a time.
Best Wishes from SWMDC
James Chambers retired from the Rural Social Scheme on 23rd January 2026.
On behalf of South West Mayo Development Company and the many communities he has supported throughout the years, we would like to extend our sincere best wishes to James for a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.
Living Well Programme Updates
Ready To Work - Empowered Entrepreneurship for Disabled People
WRDATF Programme Updates - Parent Hub Resource for Parents
RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards
Phone: 098 419 50 | Email: info@southmayo.com | Website: www.southmayo.com
Together, we’re building stronger communities—one hour at a time.
