Issue No. 45 | July 2025
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
Mayo LEADER Programme Launch
Minister Dara Calleary together with staff and Board members of LEADER Implementing Partners, Animating Partners, Mayo County Council and Mayo Local Action Group (LAG) representatives.
Earlier this month, Minister Dara Calleary officially launched the new Mayo LEADER Programme in Castlebar. As Minister at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, his presence is testament to his commitment to building strong, inclusive communities and supporting rural innovation.
With €6.6 million in LEADER funding available in Mayo, we are now accepting Expressions of Interest. The funding priorities for the first year on the programme are:
Theme 1: Economic Development & Job Creation
- Green Economy | Rural Tourism & Recreation
- Social, Community & Cooperative Enterprises
Theme 2: Economic Development & Job Creation
- Rural Infrastructure | Accessible Services | Rural Youth
Theme 3: Sustainable Development of Rural Environment & Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation
- Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment
- Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation
You can get an Expression of Interest form by:
- Visiting our website: southmayo.com/leader-rural-development-programme/
- Emailing us: info@southmayo.ie
- Calling us on: 098 419 50 and we will post or email a copy to you.
- Dropping into any of our three offices: Newport, Castlebar or Balla.
LEADER 2014 - 2024: South & West Mayo
As we start a new LEADER programme, it a great time to reflect on the LEADER programme 2014-2022 and all it delivered for south and west Mayo.
SWMDC progressed 176 projects from Expression of Interest to approval and completion. Collectively, these projects secured a total of €7,900,045 in LEADER funding, which led to a total investment of €12,600,091 in the area.
The average grant was €44,886.62 per project, and there was an impressive geographical spread of projects across the south and west Mayo area. We designed and implemented several countywide projects (located on the map in Clew Bay) that benefitted many people and businesses across all of Mayo. These included our Food & Drink programme, Biodiversity training and REBOOT, a programme specifically created to support businesses in the aftermath of COVID-19 and Brexit.
It was a hugely successful LEADER programme for south and west Mayo and and we must acknowledge the work of past and present staff and Board members who played an important part in this achievement.
Farewell to our LEADER logo…
As we start the new programme, we say farewell to our beloved LEADER logo, which has been the iconic LEADER programme brand in Europe since 1992. It may be gone, but it will never be forgotten by those who have worked on LEADER over the years.
We have a new logo, which isn’t the same, but does allow for a bi-lingual logo for LEADER, which is a very positive addition.
Rural Social Scheme & Tús Initiative - We’re recruiting!
South West Mayo Development Company is proud to implement eight Rural Social Schemes and five Tús Initiatives across south and west Mayo. These schemes strengthen community life while offering rewarding placements for those who are eligible.
We’re currently experiencing strong demand from community and voluntary groups seeking support—and we’re inviting applications from people who meet the criteria for either of these valuable programmes:
Rural Social Scheme – Designed for individuals from farming or fishing families.
Tús Initiative – Open to those unemployed for more than 12 months.
Both programmes offer practical, community-based work placements that make a real difference locally – while building skills, creating community connections, and enhancing work experience for participants.
To find out more please contact us today:
- Phone: 094 936 6692
- Email: info@southmayo.com
- Website: www.southmayo.com
Let’s continue building a stronger, more vibrant Mayo—together.
Please help us to spread the word...
Tony Hetherington (RSS Supervisor) and Mairead Dooley (Tús Team Leader) have been out and about promoting our Rural Social Scheme and Tús employment opportunities.
We would be delighted if you could help us spread the word about these valuable schemes for farmers, fishers, long-term unemployed and our communities!
Here is just a snapshot of some of the amazing work that our teams are doing throughout south and west Mayo
A Fishing Trip with a Difference
L-R: Clients and staff from Western Care along with Darragh McGee, killper of ‘Mo Chara. The group pictured heading out on fishing trip into Clew Bay from Newport.
On the 18th of June 2025, a number of Western Care service users gathered at the dock in Newport to board ‘Mo Chara’, the first and only state of the art wheelchair accessible fishing charter boat. The trip was part of a SICAP (Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme) funded project by South West Mayo Development Company.
Local skipper Darragh McGee named the boat ‘Mo Chara’ (My friend) in memory of his late father. The project was LEADER funded with the accessibility of the vessel making it unique. Clew Bay Charters take people on sightseeing trips around the bay, as well as fishing expeditions.
The day trip with Western Care was a great success with an amount of fish being caught. A second trip is already scheduled for later in the summer!
To book a trip on ‘Mo Chara’, contact Darragh: https://www.facebook.com/clewbaycharters/
Ready to Work Participant Advocates for People with Hidden Disabilities
Leanne Biffin, a Ready to Work participant, gave a speech on the Sunflower lanyard on the last day of her work placement at St. Bríd’s Special School, Castlebar.
Leanne is an advocate for those with hidden disabilities, promoting the sunflower lanyard which advises people that the wearer has a disability which may not be obvious.
Principal, Andy Maxwell and Deputy Principal, Steve Ellis, were delighted with Leanne’s performance and presence during her six-week work placement, noting her easy way with the children, her creativity, initiative, and infectious enthusiasm.
Pictured L-R: Principal, Andy, participant Leanne Biffin and Ready to Work Employment Specialist, Deirdre Mc Donnell.
Staff Updates
We are recruiting for two dynamic roles on the new FARM-Up project — a four-year initiative supporting upland commonage restoration in Mayo and Donegal:
- Project Coordinator (Based in Mayo) to lead the overall translation of the project plan into a programme of activities across the two counties, under the oversight of the Operational Group and with the guidance of SWMDC.
- Project Officer (Based in Donegal) to work with farmers, advisors, and communities, supporting restoration actions, engagement and communication.
Applications (CV & cover letter) to jobs@southmayo.com by 5pm on Monday 21st July 2025.
SWMDC Sports & Social Club
Earlier this month, many of our staff came together for a great evening of bowling in Mayo Leisure Point, Castlebar. The event was a great success and a wonderful reminder of the vibrant team we have here in SWMDC. Many thanks to our Sports and Social committee for organising such en enjoyable and fun event!
St Colman's Training Centre Calendar
Irish Refugee Week Celebration – Lough Lannagh, Castlebar (21st June)
As part of Irish Refugee Week, a vibrant and inclusive family-friendly event was organised by the new communities’ group, funded through SICAP, in Lough Lannagh on the 21st of June. The day brought together a rich tapestry of communities, including international protection applicants, Ukrainian and settled Syrian families as well as members of the wider Castlebar community.
The celebration featured an array of cultural performances and activities, including traditional Irish and Kurdish music, the uplifting One Town One Voice choir, and energetic African dancers. Families enjoyed artistic experiences with a henna artist, a Ukrainian face painter, and an origami demonstration, while Mayo County Council Library provided books and resources for all ages. Interactive experiences were also a highlight, with VR headset demonstrations from Foróige, and fun physical activities like boxing and orienteering led by Mayo Sports Partnership.
The event was a feast for the senses, capped off with delicious traditional food prepared and shared by community members from Ukraine, Nicaragua, Bangladesh and South Africa. Blessed with sunshine, the day was filled with joy, connection, and celebration of diversity — a true reflection of community spirit and shared humanity in County Mayo.
Social Farming Updates
Successful Funding Applications
Social Farming offers transformative experiences, allowing young participants to engage with nature, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections in a supportive farm environment. So far the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, with many young people reporting a deep sense of fulfilment and enjoyment from their time on the farm. In addition to giving participants the chance to experience the therapeutic and developmental benefits of Social Farming, the initiative also empowers local farmers to share their farms and contribute to community wellbeing.
We are delighted to share that the Social Farming project has been awarded funding through the Irish Youth Foundation Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. This support will enable young people across Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon to participate in Social Farming placements.
Further funding has been secured through the Oweninny Community Benefit Fund Scheme 2024, under Category 4: Small-Scale Capital Projects (Rest of County). This funding will support the expansion of Social Farming opportunities for individuals living in North Mayo. With two Social Farms currently operating in the region, this support will enhance accessibility and enable more participants to benefit from meaningful engagement in a farm-based, inclusive environment.
Finally, Social Farming is delighted to have once again received funding from Healthy Ireland to support placements in County Mayo.
We are deeply grateful for this support, which strengthens our mission to foster connection, resilience, and personal growth through farm-based experiences.
Social Farming Inductions on new farms in Mayo and Galway
Pictured: Brothers of Charity, Galway and Western Care visited our new Social Farm near Ballyhaunis.
Living Well Programme - Autumn 2025
Testimonial from Living Well Participant
I found the workshop very informative and am delighted with the holistic approach, respect and sensitivity for all who attended. I felt very much at ease to have more tools at my disposal to get me through the days and nights.
Testimonial from Living Well Participant
I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to attend this course. It was so informative and has helped me make positive changes to my diet, exercise routine and sleep. I can see the benefits already.
Living Well is a free group programme for adults living with any long-term or chronic health condition. It takes place over six weekly workshops (6 x 2.5 hours) – either online or in-person. Participants develop self-management skills and confidence to live well with their health conditions, as well as meeting other people and learning from each other’s experiences.
Our Autumn 2025 programmes will take place in Galway city (Westside), Claremorris Co. Mayo, Roscommon town, Clifden Co. Galway, Castlerea Co. Roscommon, and online.
To find out more or to book a place, contact Fiona Cunnane, Living Well Programme Co-ordinator.
Phone: 087 718 5615 | Email: fcunnane@southmayo.com
Inclusive Communities Supporting the Every Life Counts Campaign
Through our SICAP team, we are facilitating a weekly Inclusive Communities project led by volunteers have been hosting a lovely crochet, knitting, coffee and chat session. The group has been practising their English while making new friends, and they’ve also been helping to create beautiful little butterflies for the national “Every Life Counts” campaign. Pictured are members of the SWMDC team together with volunteers and friends at the inclusive communities project.
LDCN attends Joint Oireachtas Committee
The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN), the national network of local development companies across rural and urban Ireland, was invited to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development.
Attending on behalf of LDCN were Thomas Fitzpatrick, LDCN & SWMDC Chairperson, Terry Hyland, CEO of Cavan County Local Development, and Philip O’Donnell, Research, Policy, and Rural Affairs Officer at LDCN.
This Committee scrutinizes the work of the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Rural and Community Development by examining expenditure, policy, and EU matters related to these departments.
As the two departments that represent LDCN members’ most significant programme and funding partners, this invitation was a strong endorsement of the key role our organisations play in the implementation of national policy and programmes at local level.
Thank you very much to the Committee for inviting us to participate, and we look forward to a lasting and meaningful relationship in the months and years ahead.
Pictured L-R: Terry Hyland (CEO, Cavan County Local Development, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Niamh Smith TD (Cavan-Monaghan) and Thomas Fitzpatrick, ILDN and SWMDC Chairperson.
