Issue No. 53 | March 2026
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
Brackloon Hinterland Community Futures Action Plan Launch Day
The launch of the Brackloon Hinterland Community Futures Action Plan took place on Sunday 22nd March in the Brackloon/Drummin Community Centre.
The Brackloon Hinterland is made up of 20 townlands based on the Brackloon National School catchment area and the local Group Water Scheme. This is the first time Community Futures has worked with a Steering Group based on this type of geographical location. The Steering Group, chaired by Tom Ketterick have worked diligently with the Community Support Volunteer Katerina Dorofejeva to create this action plan. They had an 81% response rate from their Household survey and a very successful Community Views Voting Day.
Tom Ketterick, chair of the Steering Committee thanked the Steering Committee for their commitment and emphasised some of the key priorities. They would like to develop a safe walking/cycle way from the Community Centre to Knappagh Stores and to Brackloon National School, flood relief measures for 35 houses cut off by the Owenwee river, create parking at Brackloon Woods and the Bohea Stone.
Eileen O’Connor spoke on behalf of Mayo County Council and acknowledged the work of the Steering Committee and the Community Futures Team. She said the Steering Committee will be linking in with many departments of Mayo County Council in working to advance the priorities in this plan. She also thanked South West Mayo Development Company for their facilitation of Mayo Community Futures. Also speaking at the launch, was former Minister Eamon O’Cuiv who said if communities are not moving forward, they are moving backward. They cannot stay still. Minister Dara Calleary launched the plan and praised the Community for their commitment to the process. He emphasised the commitment of his department to support communities such as Brackloon Hinterland Community though the various grant schemes.
Also in attendance was Minister of State Alan Dillon, and TD Kiera Keogh along with the local public representatives.
Western Care Self Advocacy Group Shines in Brussels
South West Mayo Development Company is delighted to share the inspiring journey of the Western Care Self Advocacy Group, who recently travelled to Brussels to present their innovative project, “I.T. and Me”, at the European Parliament.
The Mayo advocates set off from Mayo to Dublin Airport in high spirits, ready to showcase two years of dedicated work. Their destination: the heart of European democracy, the European Parliament in Brussels.
“I.T. and Me” is a remarkable project exploring how technology can empower individuals in their daily lives. The group’s presentation highlighted the practical, creative, and life-enhancing ways digital tools can support independence and inclusion.
This memorable trip was made possible through co-funding from Western Care, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the offices of MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan. Their support ensured the advocates had the opportunity to bring their voices and ideas to a European stage.
Upon arrival in Brussels, the group received a warm welcome. Their professionalism, confidence, and heartfelt advocacy made a lasting impression. They represented both their county and their country with pride, demonstrating the strength and creativity of community-led initiatives in Mayo.
Living Well Programme Update
Ukrainian community win 1st place at Claremorris Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The Ukrainian community proudly took part in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Claremorris. They delighted the crowd with a vibrant maypole dance, beautiful traditional costumes, handmade ornaments and dolls, and delicious treats—crepes with poppy seeds!
The SICAP team supported the initiative by participating in the maypole dance and providing funding for traditional Ukrainian costumes.
And to top it all off… the Ukrainian community won 1st place in the parade performance competition.
What a fantastic celebration of culture, community, and togetherness!
Social Farming at the Disability and Carers Engagement Event
We were delighted to meet Social Farming participant Michael from Western Care, along with his friends and support staff, at the Disability and Carers Engagement Event in the Great National Hotel Ballina.
The event offered an excellent opportunity to network and gain valuable insights into what other organisations across the county are working on.
Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force Update
Form more information visit https://www.wrdatf.ie/
Open Call for Proposals for Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing Projects 2026
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is inviting applications for innovative projects that promote farm safety, health and overall wellbeing within the agricultural community.
This funding opportunity aims to support initiatives that reduce risk on farms, encourage safer practices, and improve both the physical and mental health of farmers and their families. Projects may focus on education, training, research, community engagement, or practical on‑farm interventions.
Organisations, community groups, and partnerships with creative and impactful ideas are encouraged to apply. Successful projects will demonstrate clear benefits to the farming community and a strong potential to create lasting, positive change.
Further details on eligibility, funding levels and application timelines are available through the official call documentation at www.gov.ie.
Deadline for submissions is 5pm, Wednesday 1st April 2026.
Staff Updates
In the month of March, we said farewell to Padraic Corcoran, who was one of the first Supervisors recruited to our Rural Social Scheme.
Padraic spent over 21 years working with South West Mayo Development Company and we thank him for his loyal service and dedication to supporting the communities, volunteers and RSS participants of south Mayo. We wish Padraic good health and every happiness in retirement.
LEADER Programme Funding
The LEADER programme is well up and running in County Mayo, with funding available for projects under the three main headings of:
- Enterprise (including Social Enterprise)
- Community & Youth
- Rural Environment
If you are interested in finding out more about the range of grants available, please contact us for an Expression of Interest Form by emailing info@southmayo.com or call 098 419 50.
The LEADER Programme is celebrating 35 years in Ireland in 2026, and we are proud of the role we have played in its success over that time. But our programme is nothing without the people who made the applications to us over the years for projects, large and small. Thank you for your contribution to making Ireland a benchmark for LEADER success across Europe.
In a recent press release, Minister Dara Calleary said “The LEADER programme has been a cornerstone of rural development policy in Ireland for 35 years. I want to thank all the stakeholders who have been involved over the years, you should all be very proud of what you have achieved to date.”
We welcome the Minister’s acknowledgement of the importance of the LEADER programme when he went on to say “The development of the CAP post-2027 is a matter of significant importance for my Department. As these EU negotiations progress I will continue to advocate for the LEADER programme to remain a core element of the new CAP framework and for the continued prioritisation of a well funded LEADER programme in the coming years”.
Phone: 098 419 50 | Email: info@southmayo.com | Website: www.southmayo.com
Together, we’re building stronger communities—one hour at a time.
