Issue No. 33 | July 2024
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
The 30th June 2024 saw the closure of the LEADER Programme 2014-2020, Transitional LEADER Programme 2021-2023, and the EURI (European Union Recovery Instrument) programme 2021-2023.
In south and west Mayo, SWMDC implemented these programmes on behalf of Mayo Local Action Group (LAG), and over the period we:
- Progressed 176 applications to completion
- Secured €7.5million in LEADER grants for the area
- Enabled a total local investment of €12.6million
- Created and supported 385 jobs in South and West Mayo
These results involved a huge effort by the SWMDC LEADER team, past and present, and we would not have achieved these outcomes without the full support of our Board Members.
As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, we will post a full list of the 176 successful LEADER applicants, together with details of the grants paid, matching finance provided and where the projects are located on our website.
The new LEADER programme is in a selection process with the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), and we will keep you posted with updates as they are available. We are still accepting Expressions of Interest for the new programme. We will add your details to our database, and let you know when the new programme is up and running in south and west Mayo.
New Programme: Ready to Work is ready for Launch
We’re excited to launch: Ready to Work (Workability) which is designed for individuals with disabilities aged 16 and older who are not yet in a position for employment or who face significant barriers to entering the job market. Our focus is on collaborating with employers to enhance their understanding and capability to hire, retain, and advance employees with disabilities.
“We’re dedicated to helping people with disabilities find the right job and build a fulfilling career. Our services include education, training, skill development, and on the job support.”
Email info@southmayo.com or Call 098 419 50 for more information.
We are delighted to announce that Minister Anne Rabbitte TD will launch our Ready to Work (WorkAbility) – Inclusive Pathways to Employment programme on Tuesday the 23rd of July at 10am, Room: Y002 ATU Mayo Campus, Castlebar.
This event is open to organisations working with people with disabilities, employers interested in diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and potential programme partners and participants.
Social Farming: Minister Anne Rabbitte’s visit to Michael and Ita Gordons Farm.
Minister Anne Rabbitte TD recently visited Gordon’s Family Social Farm in Mayo. During her visit, she engaged with participants from Western Care Association and Scannan Beehive Day Service. Social farmer Alan Wood, along with a participant from the farm. Social Farming is all about offering a helping hand to those who need it most. Individuals get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of farm life, surrounded by nature and community spirit.
It’s a haven of love, support, and inclusivity. If you want to learn more about Social Farming and the amazing work they do, check out our website: Social Farming
Participants from Praxis Care Ballina receive certificates on final day.
Participants painted fences, looked after animals, cared for new pups, and gardened. The smiles and laughter shared with one another on a beautiful farm were contagious as everyone connected with nature and each other. The day concluded with participants proudly receiving their certificates of completion, a rewarding moment for all involved!
Social Farming offers amazing opportunities to people who need it the most. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), we’re proud to see the positive impact on everyone involved.
Farmers across Mayo, Roscommon, and Galway are making a difference. Interested in joining?
Find out more here: https://southmayo.com/social-farming/
Erriff Valley Gets a Modern Upgrade!
The Western Way in the scenic Erriff Valley, near Aashleagh Falls, now boasts a brand-new bridge, replacing the old, rotting timber structure. This significant improvement was made possible through the Walks Scheme Development Fund 2024. Thank you to the dedicated contractors, Brian McNally and Chris O’Malley, and our RRO, Martin Dillane, for overseeing the project.
We also extend our gratitude to the local landowners for granting access to their properties, and a special thanks to the Department of Rural and Community Development for their generous funding. Marking a new era, the first person to cross this bridge was from Germany.
Find out more about the rural recreation and walks scheme here:
Staff Updates:
Theresa Ann Grimes, Clerical Administrator
We extend a warm welcome to Theresa Ann who joined SWMDC in July 2024. Theresa Ann is joining our Finance & Administration team and will be based in our Newport office.
Francis Campbell, RSS Supervisor moved on from SWMDC in July 2024. We thank Francis for his service to SWMDC, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
We would like to congratulate Frank McNeela, RSS Supervisor on celebrating his recent 15 year anniversary with SWMDC. Frank has worked successfully with community volunteers and RSS participants in this time, and we wish him many more great years with the company.
New Job Opportunities:
We have a vacancy for a new: Rural Social Scheme Supervisor and details will be available soon on our website and social media channels.
In addition, we will be recruiting two people under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) programme in the coming weeks. Please check our website and social media platforms for updates.
Discover New Opportunities with our Employment Programmes: Community Employment, Rural Social Scheme & Tús
Discover New Opportunities with our Employment Programmes: Community Employment, Rural Social Scheme & Tús
The Community Employment (CE) programme is designed to support people who are long-term unemployed to get back to work by offering part-time and temporary work placements in local communities.
Find out more about our employment schemes: https://southmayo.com/employment-support-page/
Are you looking for work experience and an additional source of income?
- Farmers with low income: Rural Social Scheme (flexible hours, €259.50/week).
- Unemployed 1+ year: Tús Initiative (community projects, €259.50/week min).
- Both offer: Valuable experience, skills development, and community connection.
For details on eligibility, please contact: Your local Intreo office or SWMDC’s
Balla Office on 094 936 6692.
