Ballina summit was milestone for local development groups
Representatives from Mayo North East LEADER and South West Mayo Development Company with Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht at the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) summit at the Great National Hotel in Ballina. Pictures: Conor McKeown
Sligo LEADER Partnership Company was proud to participate in the first-ever Local Development Companies Network Summit 2030, held in Ballina, on October 30 and 31 last.
The event brought together community development leaders, government representatives, and sector partners from across Ireland.
Hosted by the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), the two-day gathering 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 Sligo LEADER Partnership 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.
Acting chairperson of Sligo LEADER Partnership, Finbarr Filan, said: "It was a privilege to attend the inaugural summit and to represent the vital work we do in County Sligo. 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.
Sligo LEADER Partnership remains committed to championing local needs and delivering innovative, inclusive programmes that empower communities and individuals to thrive.
Chairperson of the organising committee was John Feerick, CEO of Sligo LEADER Partnership.
"The summit reinforced what we see every day on the ground - when communities are supported, resourced and listened to, they flourish," said Mr Feerick.
Sligo LEADER Partnership Company (SLPC) was established in 1995 to support communities and individuals in Sligo city and county. SLPC manages programmes on behalf of government departments and state agencies. LEADER is one of the core programmes in addition to SICAP (Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme), and various other employment and rural supports.
