Local Development
Local development is about people, place, and potential. It is a community-led approach to addressing the social, economic, and environmental needs of a particular area, recognising that those who live and work in a place are best positioned to identify its challenges and shape its future.
Why does it matter?
No two places are the same. A coastal town facing seasonal unemployment will need different solutions from a growing suburb with stretched services or a rural area dealing with population decline. National policy can set the framework — and must — but effective change happens when strategies are adapted to local realities. Local development ensures that policies are not only implemented, but truly embedded — shaped by local knowledge, delivered through partnership, and measured by real-world impact.
Social Justice
Local development provides support where it's most needed. It addresses the specific challenges communities face - from unemployment to underinvestment - by tailoring services and strategies to local contexts. This targeted support ensures no place is left behind.
Stewardship
Leadership at the local level is essential. Communities thrive when decision-making is shared with those who understand local dynamics. Empowered local leaders - whether in councils, community groups, or public agencies - can drive meaningful, responsive change.
Sustainable Development
One-size-fits-all solutions rarely work. Local development encourages innovation, allowing communities to experiment with new approaches that fit their unique challenges. It unlocks creativity by valuing local insight and adaptability.
Community Led
Effective local development depends on collaboration. It brings together residents, community organisations, and public services to co-design and co-deliver solutions. This integrated approach breaks down silos and builds stronger, more connected communities.
Equality / Equity
When people feel unheard, problems deepen. Local development builds trust by involving communities in shaping the solutions that affect them. It’s not just about delivery - it’s about doing things with people, not to them.
How does it work?
Local development is grounded in inclusion, participation, and evidence. It begins by truly listening — through needs assessments, community consultations, and continuous engagement — and builds solutions from the ground up. Rather than competing for resources, it encourages collaboration across sectors, combining knowledge and effort. More than just meeting targets, local development focuses on building lasting capacity: empowering individuals with skills, enabling organisations to lead, and helping communities take ownership of their future. In Ireland, this approach is delivered through a network of Local Development Companies and community-based organisations, supported by national and EU programmes.
These address a wide range of issues — from social inclusion and enterprise to rural regeneration and climate action — all driven by the belief that inclusive participation benefits everyone.
Step 1: Listen & Understand
Start with the community. Use data, dialogue, and consultation to understand local needs, strengths, and opportunities. This sets the foundation for relevant and responsive action.
Step 2: Collaborate & Design
Bring together people, organisations, and sectors. Design programmes that reflect shared goals, using the combined knowledge and resources of all partners involved.
Step 3: Empower & Deliver
Focus on building local capacity - supporting individuals, strengthening organisations, and enabling communities to lead. Delivery isn’t just about outputs; it’s about ownership, impact, and long-term resilience.