South West Mayo Development Company Represented at Inaugural Local Development Conference

South West Mayo Development Company was proud to participate in the first-ever Local Development Companies Network Summit 2030, held in Ballina, Co. Mayo on 30–31 October, bringing together community development leaders, government representatives, and sector partners from across Ireland.

Hosted by the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), the two-day event marked a major milestone for the community-led local development sector, celebrating the essential role Local Development Companies play in social inclusion, rural development, enterprise support, and community services nationwide.

Representatives from South West Mayo Development Company joined peers from all 49 Local Development Companies, sharing insights, expertise and local successes while engaging in future-focused conversations on strengthening inclusive, resilient and economically vibrant communities.

Thomas Fitzpatrick, South West Mayo Development and LDCN Chairperson said, ‘It was a privilege to attend the inaugural Summit and to represent the vital work we do in County Mayo. The event highlighted the power of collaboration, innovation and community-led action in building an inclusive Ireland. We look forward to applying key learnings and continuing to support individuals, families, and communities locally.’

Key themes of the Summit included:

• Advancing inclusion, equity and participation
• Strengthening collaboration, trust, and long-term local partnerships
• Supporting resilient rural and urban communities
• Evidence-based approaches and targeted investment in community development
• Ensuring sustainable, multi-year funding for vital local programmes

Speakers across government, academia, civil society and community organisations shared powerful insights, including remarks from Ministers Jerry Buttimer, Dara Calleary and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, who emphasised the need for innovation and ambition in community-led development, along with investment in inclusive programmes that ensure no one is left behind.

Continuing Leadership in Local Development

South West Mayo Development Company remains committed to championing local needs and delivering innovative, inclusive programmes that empower communities and individuals to thrive.

Sabina Trench, South West Mayo Development Company CEO commented ‘The Summit was a huge success with almost 500 people in attendance over the two days. As a proud member of the LDCN, the event reinforced what we see every day in our work. When the needs of our communities are heard, supported, and resourced, they flourish.’

About South West Mayo Development Company

Established in 1991, South West Mayo Development Company is the primary local development company for south and west Mayo. In more recent years, our remit has expanded into north and east Mayo and counties Galway, Roscommon and Donegal for some programmes.

On behalf of our funding partners we implement and host a wide range of programmes including LEADER, Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Rural Social Scheme (RSS), Tús Initiative, Rural Recreation, Migrant Health Supports, Living Well Programme, WorkAbility (Ready to Work), Community Futures, Mayo Resettlement Programme, Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), Social Farming, European Innovation Partnership (FARM-Up), Asylum Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF) project, Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force, and Community Employment.

You can find the details of the agenda, as well as speaker biographies at https://ldcn.ie/summit-2030.