Laois Partnership marks launch of new network for local development companies
CEO of Laois Partnership Company, Caroline Lydon (third from right), with Minister Dara Calleary and some of the Local Development Company CEOs from other counties, at the launch of the Local Development Companies Network in Buswells Hotel
LAOIS Partnership Company recently marked the launch of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN).
Formerly known as the Irish Local Development Network, LDCN is a national representative body for the 45 local development companies throughout Ireland, including Laois Partnership.
The name change better reflects the important role that local development companies play in Irish society. The new tagline for the network, ‘Collective Vision, Fairer Society’, signifies the combined strength of the 45 local development companies in building a fairer society by providing on-the-ground services supporting rural development, social inclusion, climate change and integration, among others.
Caroline Lydon, CEO of Laois Partnership Company (LPC), who attended the event at Buswells Hotel in Dublin, 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 newly-elected representatives, including minister Dara Calleary and minister of state Gerry Buttimer from the Dept 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,” said Caroline.
Besides focusing on the social inclusion of disadvantaged areas and promoting rural development, LPC provides such essential services 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 facilitated by LPC include the Lunch Club social event in Camross and the Connect Café in Portlaoise, where people got to enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat while taking steps to improve their wellbeing. Other initiatives included 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, LDCN chief executive Dr Carol Baumann 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 that country broke out; and they run services tackling issues like food poverty, long-term unemployment and many more issues that are prevalent throughout the country.” She continued: “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 LDCN we are a strong voice for all local development companies and we look forward to working with the new government to address these systemic issues to create a fairer society.” To hear more about the work of your local development company in Co Laois and how it can support you and/or your local community, please follow LDCN on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram or visit www.laoispartnership.ie.
