Community Development

Community Development supports the development of integrated strategies and initiatives that enhance social and cultural experiences in Longford.

The section has been set up as part of the government policy on the integration of Local Government and Local Development with a core function of facilitating the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the preparation and implementation of the community element of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).

Key programmes implemented and supported by Community Development

CLÁR Scheme: provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas.

Comhairle na nÓg: gives children and young people the opportunity to be involved in developing local services and policies.

Community Grant Support Scheme: provides community groups funding under different areas, including the arts, environment, inter-cultural and more. 

Healthy Ireland (HI): an initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone living in County Longford.

Local Enhancement Programme 2025: provides capital funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, and/or to purchase equipment

Longford Age Friendly County Plan: this plan acts as a blueprint for Longford as it sets out on the road to becoming an age-friendly place.

Longford Intercultural Strategic Plan: addressing provision for the needs of the Migrant, Traveller, Roma and indigenous Irish communities.

Property Marking Scheme: punch your EIRCODE or other identifying information onto household or farm property.

Public Participation Network (PPN): a network that allows the local authority to connect with community groups.

RDP (LEADER) Programme: supports private enterprises and community groups that improve quality of life and economic activity in rural areas.

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP): aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality. It does this through Programme Implementers, agencies and companies, who work with the most disadvantaged and the hardest to reach in communities.