Laois Partnership Company (LPC) recently launched the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), formerly known as the Irish Local Development Network, at an event in Buswells Hotel in Dublin.
LDCN is the national representative body for the 45 local development companies throughout Ireland.
It has updated its name, visual identity and tagline “to better reflect the important role that local development companies play in Irish society.”
The new tagline for the network, ‘Collective Vision, Fairer Society,’ represents the collective strength of the 45 local development companies in building a fairer society in Ireland through providing on-the-ground services supporting rural development, social inclusion, climate change and integration, amongst others.
Caroline Lydon, LPC CEO, said: “We are delighted to mark the launch of the Local Development Companies Network.
“The new name is an opportunity for us here in Laois, along with our colleagues from around the country, to reflect on and demonstrate the collective impact of the work of local development companies throughout Ireland.”
“We were delighted to meet with many newly elected representatives, including Minister Dara Calleary and Junior Minister Gerry Buttimer from the Department of Rural and Community Development, at the launch and look forward to working with them on continuing the delivery of our services for the people of Laois.”
LPC works to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the county.
As well as focusing on the social inclusion of disadvantaged areas and promoting rural development, LPC provides essential services such as childcare facilities, home maintenance for elderly people, supports for new arrivals to Laois, and work placement opportunities for those on Social Welfare.
Recent projects include the Lunch Club social event in Camross; the Connect Café in Portlaoise, where people got to enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat while taking steps to improve their wellbeing; education and training courses such as a business skills programme for Social Enterprises; and the Entrepreneurship for Woman in Agriculture course.
Also speaking at the launch was Dr Carol Baumann, CEO of the LDCN, who said: “Local development companies are critical to communities throughout Ireland – they provide on-the-ground responses to crises, for example in the case of Storm Éowyn by visiting and caring for the vulnerable and elderly in isolated areas who were left without power.
“They have been leading out on the integration of Ukrainian refugees into Irish society since the war in Ukraine broke out; and they run services tackling issues like food poverty, long-term unemployment and many more issues that are prevalent throughout the country.
“Local development companies provide local solutions to local problems. However, these local problems are often caused by systemic issues that must be addressed at a national level.
“Through the Local Development Companies Network we are a strong representative voice for all local development companies, and we look forward to working with the new Government and with policy makers to address these systemic issues to create a fairer society.”
To hear more about the work of your local development company and how it can support you and your local community at LaoisPartnership.ie.
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