Issue No. 48 | October 2025
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
SWMDC Leads Major Regeneration Project on Inishturk Island
Inishturk Island, Co. Mayo
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) warmly welcomes Minister Dara Calleary’s recent announcement of €814,000 in funding for Inishturk Island under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). As lead applicant, SWMDC is proud to spearhead this transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the island’s infrastructure, tourism potential, and long-term sustainability.
The project will deliver a 900 sq. meter multi-purpose hub and glamping site, designed to serve both the local community and visitors. It represents a major step forward in supporting island life and unlocking new opportunities for economic and social development.
This investment forms part of a broader €2.3 million RRDF allocation to County Mayo. SWMDC has worked closely with the Island community to shape a vision that reflects Inishturk’s unique character and future potential.
As a long-standing advocate for rural development, SWMDC remains committed to fostering inclusive growth and innovation across Mayo’s most remote communities. The Inishturk project stands as a testament to our Board’s dedication to delivering meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment.
SWMDC Represents Mayo at National SICAP “In Our Words” Showcase
L-R: Sabina Trench (CEO, SWMDC), Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Celesta Khosa (SICAP, SWMDC), and Vicci Tallis (New Communities Coordinator, SWMDC)
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) proudly participated in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s SICAP “In Our Words” showcase event, held on 2 October 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone.
The event brought together nearly 250 delegates from across Ireland to celebrate the impact of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). SWMDC was represented by Celesta Khosa (SICAP Community Development & Youth Officer) who shared her personal story from SWMDC client to colleague. Celesta’s contribution highlighted SWMDC’s commitment to inclusive development and our role in empowering individuals and groups through SICAP-supported projects.
The day-long event was hugely engaging and showcased projects of excellence across rural and urban settings, which were of great interest to those in attendance, which included Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer. The Minister dedicated a full day of his schedule to the event and mingled with those in attendance throughout the day, highlighting his deep commitment to social inclusion and wider community development.
SWMDC’s presence at the event reaffirmed our extensive social inclusion work and dedication to amplifying local voices on a national stage.
Budget 2026 Delivers Pay Rise and RSS Reform
Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed a €5 weekly increase for participants on Ireland’s key social employment schemes, Rural Social Scheme (RSS), Tús, and Community Employment (CE), in Budget 2026. This increase will take effect from January 2026, offering improved financial support to thousands of people engaged in community-based work across the country.
The announcement forms part of a broader social welfare package aimed at supporting low-income households and strengthening activation programmes. In addition to the pay rise, Minister Calleary has committed to implementing several key recommendations from the RSS Review, which will expand the scheme and improve access for eligible participants.
These changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance the value and sustainability of social employment schemes, particularly in rural areas like south and west Mayo, where they play a vital role in community development and inclusion.
Social Farming Awareness Week 2025 Visit to The Shore Farm, Ballina, Co. Mayo
On 7th October 2025, we marked Social Farming Awareness Week 2025 with a truly inspiring visit to The Shore Farm, operated by Emer Quinn near Ballina, Co. Mayo. The farm is a vibrant and inclusive space, home to horses, cows, sheep, and other animals, and features stables, sheds, a polytunnel, and a sensory trail. Participants engage in a variety of meaningful activities including animal care, gardening, farm maintenance, and creative projects.
The event welcomed a diverse group of attendees including service providers, social farmers, social farming participants, their families, and Clare Gormley from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The morning began with a warm welcome from Deirdre Fahey, Regional Development Officer with Social Farming Ireland and South West Mayo Development Company.
Emer Quinn shared insights into the ethos and daily life of her farm, followed by a wonderful testimony from a participant who spoke about the positive impact Social Farming has had on her life. We also heard contributions from Brian Smyth, National Manager of Social Farming Ireland, and Sabina Trench, CEO of South West Mayo Development Company. Additional input from service providers and fellow social farmers added depth and perspective to the discussions.
The morning concluded with a guided walk around the farm, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the peaceful and welcoming environment that makes Social Farming so impactful.
Emer Quinn, who also runs The Shore Farm Pony Therapy, brings extensive experience in education and supporting individuals with additional needs. Her farm stands as a model of therapeutic and inclusive farming in action.
If you would like to find out more about our Social Farming programme, please contact Deirdre on:
- Phone: 087 623 3862
- Email: dfahey@southmayo.com
Le Chéile GIY Garden Tour
We had a wonderful morning at the Community Garden and Polytunnel – Le Chéile GIY Garden Tour on 20th October at Lough Lannagh Village.
Sharon Cameron from Mayo County Council gave a really engaging and practical talk on composting and leaf mulching, which everyone found very interesting.
Groups represented included Lough Lannagh Ukrainian Residents – past and present, the SWMDC Tús Polytunnel and Garden Volunteers – past and present, members of Le Chéile GIY, and the local church floristry group.
Helen O’Neill supported participants with language barriers, helping them to follow the talk and join in the conversations afterwards — a great example of how our work helps newcomers feel confident and included in community activities.
Everyone enjoyed Paul’s homemade scones, sausage rolls, and jams, all freshly made with produce from our polytunnel and garden.
A big thank you to our Tús participants for their hard work and to Linda Beirne, Tús Team Leader for her continued support with the team .
The event was a lovely reminder of how community, inclusion, and sustainability can grow together in such a meaningful way.
Basket Weaving Brings Creativity and Connection to Ballyhean
The Ballyhean Women’s Group recently took part in an introductory basket weaving workshop at Ballyhean Community Centre, led by Tom Delaney of Ould Crafty.
Based in Mayo, Ould Crafty is a traditional basket-making business known for crafting strong, durable baskets using locally sourced willow. (www.ouldcrafty.com)
The taster session was a hit with the group, sparking a keen interest in learning more. Thanks to support from SICAP, a full four-week basket weaving course was organised. Over the course, Tom guided the group through the process of creating traditional willow baskets, sharing his skills and passion for the craft.
The women thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and each participant proudly took home a beautiful handmade basket — a testament to their creativity and the power of community learning.
Tús First Aid Responder Training
SWMDC Tús participants recently took part in a First Aid Responder training course held in Westport. We are very grateful to the SICAP team in Mayo North East LEADER Partnership who organised and funded this vital training.
Farewell and Best Wishes from SWMDC
We wish every success to Mikhail Kolchanov (SICAP New Arrivals Support Worker) who is leaving SWMDC at the end of October after three years with the company. Fluent in Ukrainian, Mikhail worked with people who were displaced from Ukraine to Mayo in 2022, providing support and guidance throughout their journey.
We also wish Alvina Devaney (Family Support Practitioner) every success in her next career move with Family Carers Ireland. Alvina provided exceptional support to families seeking international protection throughout County Mayo.
As Mikhail and Alvina move on to new opportunities, we wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers. Their dedication and energy have left a lasting impact, and they will be missed by colleagues and clients alike.
Our HR Manager, Lisa Halpin, is officially on maternity leave! We wish her a joyful and healthy experience as she welcomes the newest member of her family.
New Job Opportunities
RSS and Tús Opportunities Open Across South and West Mayo
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) is currently inviting applications for placements under the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Tús programme, offering valuable work experience and community engagement across South and West Mayo.
These schemes provide part-time employment opportunities for individuals receiving qualifying social welfare payments. Participants contribute to local projects while developing practical skills in areas such as:
• Administration and reception
• Childcare and after-school support
• Grounds maintenance and landscaping
• Cooking and kitchen assistance
• Caretaking and cleaning
• Environmental and heritage work
Placements are typically 19.5 hours per week and are designed to complement participants’ existing commitments, including farming and family responsibilities.
SWMDC works closely with community groups to match participants with meaningful roles that benefit local services and enhance rural life.
If you’re interested in joining RSS or Tús, or want to learn more about available roles, please contact SWMDC at 094 936 6692 or visit southmayo.com
Phone: 094 936 6692 | Email: info@southmayo.com | Website: www.southmayo.com
Together, we’re building stronger communities—one hour at a time.
