Issue No. 56 | June 2026
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
Government Must Match Policy Ambition with Investment, Says South West Mayo Development Company
South West Mayo Development Company has welcomed the formal presentation of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN)
Pre-Budget Submission for Budget 2027 to senior Ministers and elected representatives at Buswells Hotel, Dublin recently, highlighting the critical role of community-led delivery in County Mayo. Representatives from South West Mayo Development Company were among those in attendance, where the submission was formally presented to Government, calling for increased investment in programmes that support individuals, families, and communities in Mayo and nationwide.
The submission sets out a series of measures—including increased funding for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), protection and expansion of LEADER funding, and strengthened supports for community-based services—which the network of local development companies agrees are essential to ensure that national policies continue to deliver real impact on the ground.
South West Mayo Development Company highlighted the importance of these programmes in County Mayo, where they support thousands of people and hundreds of communities each year through initiatives such as SICAP, LEADER, Rural Social Scheme, Tús and Rural Walks for example.
Thomas Fitzpatrick, SWMDC Chairperson said: “Every day in south and west Mayo we see how community-led programmes make a real difference in people’s lives whether it’s supporting people into employment, helping local enterprises grow, or strengthening community resilience. If we are successful in our asks, we will be able to meet the needs of our people and communities at local level and build on the high level of support already committed by Government to our sector.”
He added: “In south and west Mayo demand for our supports continues to grow, and sustained investment is essential to ensure we can respond effectively to local needs. Since August 2025, we have worked with almost 30 LEADER grant beneficiaries, with grant commitments totalling over €2 million, and we expect that demand will exceed funding available in our area in the near future.”
The LDCN submission comes as Government prepares to implement major national strategies, including the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2026–2030 and the OECD Rural Policy Review, both of which rely on local delivery infrastructure, including Local Development Companies, to succeed.
Further Engagement: CEO Sabina Trench also took the opportunity to present the LDCN pre-budget submission to Minister Jack Chambers and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin on their recent visit to Westport. Following a busy week of engaging with senior Ministers, TDs and Senators, Ms Trench said, “It’s very encouraging to hear that our elected representatives are very aware of the good work being done by Local Development Companies all over Ireland. Our track record for ‘getting things done’ goes before us in these conversations, and I hope to see our budget recommendations being taken on board later this year.”
Among the key national recommendations are an additional €6.1 million for SICAP, €10.2 million to address funding demand in LEADER, and €12 million to strengthen community employment supports, alongside embedding €10 million in annual integration supports into core funding structures.
Local Development Companies collectively support more than 150,000 people and 6,000 community groups annually, delivering approximately €230 million in supports each year across Ireland.
Inishturk Charts Its Future: Community Unveils Updated Plan and Celebrates Progress
SWMDC was delighted to join the people of Inishturk for the launch of their updated Community Futures Plan by Minister Dara Calleary, a milestone that reflects the island’s ambition, resilience, and long‑standing commitment to shaping its own future. SWMDC hosts the Community Futures Programme on behalf of Mayo County Council, an initiative which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in County Mayo later this year.
The community used the event to bring together local residents, community leaders, and partner organisations to discuss progress a variety of projects on the Island, including the much-anticipated Rural Regeneration Development Fund project which has been awarded over €800,000 through Minister Calleary’s Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). The Minister is keen to see the project progress, and as lead partner, South West Mayo Development Company assured him that it is a priority project for the company in the weeks and months ahead.
The day offered SWMDC a valuable opportunity to reconnect with a community that has always demonstrated remarkable leadership in planning for its long‑term sustainability. As an organisation, SWMDC is proud to implement the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) on Inishturk and to support initiatives that strengthen social inclusion, community capacity, and local development. Our relationship with island communities stretches back many years, and Inishturk remains a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, determination, and community‑led planning.
We were also pleased to meet with the CEO of Comhar na nOileán, Máire Uí Mhaoláin during the visit. Our close ties with Comhar na nOileán has been central to supporting island communities across the region, and the day provided a welcome chance to discuss shared priorities and future opportunities for cooperation.
Overall, the event itself was a celebration of the energy and ambition of the Inishturk community. From thoughtful presentations to warm conversations, the atmosphere reflected a deep pride in the island’s heritage and a strong commitment to its future. The updated Community Futures Plan sets out a clear roadmap for development, and the community’s ambition for Inishturk is both inspiring and achievable.
SWMDC extends sincere congratulations to everyone involved in the planning process and to the community for hosting such a meaningful and uplifting event. We look forward to continuing our work together and supporting Inishturk as it advances its vision for a vibrant, sustainable island community.
Making Farms Work for Women
(L–R): MEP Maria Walsh, Cllr Sean Carey, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Deirdre Fahey, Social Farming Coordinator, and Anne Kinsella of Teagasc.
Social Farming Coordinator Deirdre Fahey recently attended the Making Farms Work for Women event in Ballina.
Making Farms Work for Women is a funded pilot project based in North Mayo, supporting women farmers through practical solutions, skills development, and confidence-building opportunities.
Introductory event for the New Solutions Social Innovation Lab
The New Solutions Social Innovation Lab is a practical, step-by-step programme designed to help people turn ideas for social change into real, testable solutions.
The Lab is a structured development programme consisting of eight workshops, combining online sessions with in-person events delivered by experienced practitioners and subject experts. Throughout the programme, participants will explore and define a social challenge, develop and test innovative solutions, refine their ideas through practical application, and build the skills needed to progress beyond the Lab.
The initiative is part of the wider New Solutions Social Innovation Fund, which aims to strengthen Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem by supporting new ideas to emerge, develop, and grow.
Social Enterprise Officer Olivia Kitterick recently attended the introductory event for the New Solutions Social Innovation Lab at PorterShed in Galway. The event featured guest speaker Martin Ward of Bounce Back Recycling and Galway Traveller Movement, who shared his experience as a social innovator addressing both environmental and social challenges.
Participants also took part in an interactive workshop, sharing their aspirations for the Lab and identifying the types of support that would be most valuable as they begin their journeys as social innovators. The session provided an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and help shape the future direction of the programme.
Habits for Success 2026
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) SICAP, in partnership with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), was delighted to host the annual Habits for Success wellbeing event at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
The event was designed to inspire and empower participants by promoting positive habits that support both personal wellbeing and professional success. Focusing on themes such as personal development, leadership, self-confidence, resilience, and career progression, the day encouraged attendees to reflect on their goals and develop practical strategies to achieve them.
Participants enjoyed two engaging and interactive workshops led by experienced facilitators. Motivational speaker and coach Tara Rafter, The Navigation Coach, delivered an inspiring session that encouraged participants to identify their strengths, embrace opportunities, and take positive action towards their goals. This was followed by a “Mindfulness in Action” workshop facilitated by mindfulness practitioner Maura Horkan, who introduced practical techniques to help participants build resilience, manage stress, and improve focus in both their personal and professional lives.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for learning, networking, and personal reflection, equipping attendees with practical tools to support their ongoing growth and wellbeing.
A sincere thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success, and to Tara Rafter and Maura Horkan for sharing their expertise, enthusiasm, and valuable insights.
Ukrainian-Irish Book Club Celebrates Refugee Day Through Literature and Community
The Ukrainian-Irish Book Club on the 20th of June marked World Refugee Day with a warm and engaging gathering that celebrated the power of books to bring people together across cultures.
Six people attended the event, including an Irish participant who joined the group for the first time. Her presence added a valuable intercultural dimension to the discussion, and she shared her interest in leading a future book-writing workshop as part of her studies in creative writing.
A special highlight of the meeting was the participation of Ukrainian writer Liubov Protasenko. Members had the opportunity to meet and engage with the author, learning more about Ukrainian literature and storytelling. Readers may also be interested to know that some of her children’s books are available through Claremorris Library.
The Ukrainian-Irish Book Club continues to provide a welcoming space where people can connect through literature, share experiences, and build friendships. By bringing together members of the Ukrainian and Irish communities, the club supports integration, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.
Looking ahead, members selected A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman as their next read. The next book club meeting will take place at the end of July, and new participants are always welcome.
Through events like this, the Ukrainian-Irish Book Club demonstrates how literature can help create connections, foster belonging, and strengthen community ties.
Exploring Mayo Through Its Town Names and Surnames
On 16 June, Claremorris Library welcomed members of the Ukrainian community to a fascinating cultural event titled Mayo Through Town Names and Surnames.
The evening offered participants a unique opportunity to discover the stories behind Mayo’s place names and traditional Irish surnames through the lens of the Irish language. Attendees learned how local names reflect centuries of history, geography, family heritage, and cultural traditions.
The event was led by Seán Ó Murchadha from the Céad Míle Fáilte project at Conradh na Gaeilge. Through an engaging and informative presentation, he shared insights into Irish history and language, explaining the meanings and origins of many traditional surnames and place names familiar throughout Mayo.
For many participants, the event provided a deeper understanding of the Irish language and its connection to local identity. It also created a welcoming space for cultural exchange, allowing Ukrainian newcomers to learn more about the history and traditions of the communities in which they now live.
The evening was a wonderful example of how language and history can bring people together, fostering understanding, curiosity, and a stronger connection between cultures.
Phone: 094 936 6692 | Email: info@southmayo.com | Website: www.southmayo.com
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