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Government Departments

Local Development Companies (LDCs) work in close collaboration with multiple Government Departments to deliver inclusive, community-led services that align with national policy and priorities. Through these partnerships, LDCs ensure that key government strategies have real, on-the-ground impact across communities in Ireland.

DRCDG

Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Partnering with LDCs, DRCDG strengthens sustainable, inclusive communities through strategies, supports, and national development programmes.

DRCDG plays a central role in supporting vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities across Ireland. LDCs partner with DRCDG to help deliver and shape national strategies, such as Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities Strategy and Roadmap for Social Inclusion.

Programmes delivered through this partnership include:

  • SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme): A targeted, holistic programme supporting those most disadvantaged and least likely to access mainstream services.
  • LEADER Programme: A European initiative supporting local development in rural areas, delivered by LDCs in partnership with Local Action Groups.
  • Empowering Communities Programme (ECP): Focuses on addressing area-based disadvantage through a community development approach.
  • SSNO (Scheme to Support National Organisations): Supports the work of LDCN through core funding to build capacity and advocacy.
  • Rural Regeneration Development Fund

Department of Social Protection

Through employment supports and community schemes, DSP works with LDCs to promote inclusion and participation.

DSP promotes active participation and social inclusion through income supports and employment services. LDCs deliver a number of DSP-supported initiatives:

  • Tús: Community work placements for unemployed people.
  • Rural Social Scheme (RSS): Provides income support to low-income farmers and fishers, while offering valuable services to rural communities.
  • Community Employment (CE): Offers part-time work placements to help long-term unemployed people return to the workforce.
  • Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA): Encourages welfare recipients to become self-employed through structured supports.
  • Policy Collaboration: LDCs work with DSP on implementing elements of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion.
Department of Social Protection
LDCN Partners | Department of Health Logo

Department of Health

With LDCs, the Department tackles health inequalities, delivering prevention, wellbeing, and community-led health initiatives.

Through community-led health initiatives, LDCs are addressing social determinants of health, especially in disadvantaged communities. With support from the Department of Health and Sláintecare, programmes include:

  • Social Prescribing
  • We Can Quit (Smoking Cessation)
  • Parenting Supports
  • Healthy Food Made Easy
  • Living Well Programme
  • Migrant Health Initiatives

Additionally, LDCs deliver the Traveller Health Care Programme, tackling health inequalities experienced by the Traveller community.

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In partnership with LDCs, DAFM promotes farm safety, wellbeing, innovation, and inclusive rural development initiatives.

LDCs support the agricultural sector through:

  • Farm Safety Training
  • Health and Wellbeing Initiatives for the farming community
  • Tractor Driving Courses
  • European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Projects
  • Social Farming: A therapeutic and inclusive model where individuals engage with farming activities to build self-esteem and wellbeing.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
LDCN Partners | Department of Children

Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Supporting children, families, and young people, this Department works with LDCs to strengthen inclusion and wellbeing.

This Department’s mission is to improve outcomes for children, families, and young people. In partnership with Tusla and DCEDIY, LDCs deliver:

  • Cultural Champions
  • School Transport and Attendance Supports
  • Supports for International Protection Applicants
  • Parenting Cavan
  • Afterschool and Family Support Services

LDCs also support integration and inclusion through early years and childcare community services.

Department of Justice

Through integration and community safety programmes, LDCs support the Department’s vision of justice and inclusion.

LDCs contribute to the Department’s goals of inclusion, safety, and justice by implementing the:

  • Asylum, Migration Integration Fund (AMIF): Supporting integration programmes for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
  • Community Safety Initiatives: In partnership with An Garda Síochána, including personal and road safety campaigns and community events.
LDCN Partners | Department of Justice Logo
Irish Government Logo

Cross-Departmental Engagement

LDCs collaborate across Departments to deliver housing, climate, education, culture, and tourism initiatives locally.

LDCs also work across a range of other Government Departments to meet local needs, including:

  • Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – supporting consultations such as those on defective concrete blocks in the Northwest.
  • Department of Environment, Climate and Communications – delivering the Retrofit Ready Programme across four border counties.
  • Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – in partnership with Fáilte Ireland on sustainable tourism and recreation projects.
  • Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science – supporting access to adult education and training in collaboration with ETBs and Skillnets.