Community Associations FITB

Community Development

• A process involving local communities working together to improve their social and economic well-being.
• Aims to achieve community goals through collective action.
• Emphasizes self-reliance and empowerment rather than dependence on external bodies.
• Leads to improvements in local infrastructure, boosting both economic and social prosperity.

Economic Benefits

• Employment: Directly creates jobs, leading to increased spending in the local economy.
• Spin-off Effects: Generates indirect employment opportunities as businesses rely on local suppliers and visitors utilize local services.
• Enterprise Culture: Fosters a positive environment for entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation and new business ventures.
• Standard of Living: Increased local employment translates to higher incomes, leading to greater spending power and an improved standard of living.
• Local Authority Income: Growth in businesses results in increased commercial rates, providing local authorities with revenue to invest in infrastructure improvements.

Social Benefits

• Community Spirit: Builds confidence and strengthens community spirit, fostering a sense of hope for the future.
• Empowerment: Empowers local communities, generating a sense of pride and belonging in the community.
• Reduced Depopulation: Slows down migration from rural areas, retaining skilled workers and maintaining services to prevent further decline.
• Improved Infrastructure: Increased local revenue from commercial rates can be used to enhance public facilities such as roads, playgrounds, and libraries.

Community Development Organizations

• Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs):
  • 31 offices nationwide, acting as the first point of contact for business support.
  • Provide advice, information, and support for entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey.
  • Funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland.
• Leader Programme:
  • EU-funded initiative aimed at supporting rural communities in developing enterprises aligned with their specific needs.
  • Provides funding for projects that enhance tourism, business development, broadband infrastructure, and essential services.
  • Targeted at remote communities and rural youth.
  • Local action groups (comprising local representatives from various sectors) select and allocate Leader funding to eligible projects in their area.
• Pobal:
  • Oversees the distribution of government and EU funding to projects supporting community development.
  • Primarily focuses on social initiatives that aim to improve community quality of life.
  • Plays a role in administering the Leader Programme.
• Area Partnership Companies (APCs):
  • Promote local enterprise and work to improve the living standards of local communities.
  • Deliver training programs, volunteer opportunities, and short-term employment on local projects.
  • Often target socially excluded groups, such as disadvantaged families, people with disabilities, the unemployed, and the Traveller community.

LEO Support and Services

• Mentoring Programs: Connect businesses with experienced professionals who offer personalized guidance and advice.
• Training Programs and Advice: Organize workshops on various aspects of starting and growing a business.
• Business Networking: Facilitate networking events to connect entrepreneurs with peers and share experiences.
• Financial Supports: Offer grants to eligible companies to support start-up costs, expansion plans, market entry, and job creation.

Key Fact

• There are 29 local action groups managing the Leader Programme across Ireland.