Local Development Week
Join us in celebrating the vital role Local Development Companies play in building vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. Scroll below to see what events are happening near you during our annual, week long showcase.
Local Action. Lasting Impact.
Local Development Week 2026 takes place from 28th September to 2nd October, bringing communities across Ireland together to celebrate the people, projects and partnerships that create lasting change at a local level.
This year’s theme, Local Action, Lasting Impact, highlights the difference that can be made when local people have the support, resources and opportunities to shape their own communities.
We encourage you to see what’s on in your local area and to join in the activities. Local Development Week is a great opportunity to learn more about the Local Development Company near you, to see the work they are doing and if there’s anything that can support you or your local community group. Search #LocalDevelopmentWeek on socials for more.
See what's on near you
| LDC | Monday Events |
| West Cork Development Partnership | Soundbath (free!) in Bandon 3pm-4 pm in the Munster Arms Hotel. To book your free place email : jimeve@wcdp.ie |
| Inishowen Development Partnership | Employment Support Workshop Time: 11.00am to 2.00pm This workshop will provide practical steps to support job searching and progression into employment, including CV preparation, identifying skills, employment opportunities and upskilling pathways. Taster Golf Lessons Time: 10.00am to 11.00am 4-week taster golf lessons for targeted adults aged 55+ as part of Healthy and Active Rural Communities (HARC). |
| South Tipperary Development Copmany | SICAP Webinar 11am |
| Limerick City Partnership |
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| SECAD | Local Development Week kick off – a tree planting in Dungourney Time: 11 am Location: Dungourney, Co. Cork A community tree planting in Dungourney will mark the start of Local Development Week 2026, bringing together SECAD Partnership, Dungourney Community Council, Leahy’s Open Farm and pupils and teachers from Dungourney National School. The event will highligh the impact of locally-led development in Dungourney, including community projects and the development of Leahy’s Open Farm supported through the LEADER Programme. The planting will also continue SECAD’s “30 Trees for 30 Years” initiative, celebrating 30 years of partnership with local communities. |
| LDC | Tuesday Events |
| West Cork Development Partnership | Community Singing Group in Bandon Town Hall 8 pm – 9 pm, newcomers welcome! |
| Inishowen Development Partnership | FaME Strength & Balance Programme Venue: Burt Falls management exercise classes offered to those who need to focus on balance and falls prevention. Digital Skills Online Time: 11.00am to 1.00pm Basic IT and internet skills. Donegal Age Alliance Meeting Venue: Letterkenny In-person meeting of the Donegal Age Friendly Alliance. Regenerative Agriculture Course Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm A 7-week regenerative agriculture course delivered by Donegal College of Further Education and Síolta Chroí in collaboration with IDP. Two Rivers MINDSET Study Visit Time: 10.00am to 1.00pm Study visit focusing on climate action, river catchment mapping, protection and restoration, and community heritage storytelling. [Local Deve…s 2026 (3) | PDF] That’s Powerful Photography & Creative Programme Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm An 8-week creative programme for Inish Women’s Group exploring local heritage through photography, storytelling and creative activities. [Local Deve…s 2026 (3) | PDF] Movies & Tea Time: 1.00pm to 4.00pm Screening of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 in collaboration with Buncrana Cinema and LCDC Sláintecare Healthy Communities. IFAN Meeting Time: 10.00am Meeting of the Inishowen Family Action Network. |
| South Tipperary Development Company | Staying Winter Well. 12-2pm email: hilarydilworth@stdc.ie or phone 086-825 4024 to book your place before 25th September. |
| Northside Partnership | Challenger 2nd Year Students Public Speaking (for students on the Challenger programme) Northside Partnership Staff Coffee Morning in aid of St. Francis Hospice and the Mater Foundation. Northside Partnership Head Office, Coolock Development Centre, 1.00-2.00pm Circle of Security Free 8-Week Programme for parents of children aged 0-2years. Preparing for Life, Darndale Belcamp Village Centre. 10.00am- 12.00pm. Sign up here. We Can Quit Free 10 week stop smoking support including FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy Group 1: Kish House, Greendale Road, Killbarrack & Online, 6.30-8.00pm |
| Westmeath Local Development Company | Live Longer and Prosper Programme in Kinnegad. Green Cert Training Email info@westcd.ie |
| LDC | Wednesday Events |
| Bray and North Wicklow Area Partnership | Disability Information Event with a Special Focus on Housing. Learn more. |
| Inishowen Development Partnership | FaME Strength & Balance Programme Venue: Muff Falls management exercise classes focused on balance and falls prevention Bridge & Belong Time: 7.00pm to 9.30pm 6-week introduction and connection programme. Dementia Training Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm HARC/HSE family training in dementia awareness. Healthy Food Made Easy Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Healthy Food Made Easy Programme. Digital Drop-In Time: 1.00pm to 3.00pm Support with phones, tablets, laptops and other digital devices. Are You Grant Ready? Funding Workshop Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm Venue: Online Funding workshop for community organisations covering funding opportunities, applications, collaboration and financial planning. Buncrana Autism Friendly Town Launch Time: 7.00pm Launch of the Autism-Friendly Town initiative in collaboration with ICARE and Buncrana Town Team. PEACEPLUS Inclusion Not Isolation: Hope & Health Matters Time: 10.00am The Resilio HOPE programme delivered in collaboration with MS Society North West. Cook, Count and Connect. |
| South Tipperary Development Company | 21 Years of the Rural Social Scheme. 5:30pm Guest speaker Denis Leary. RSVP by 23rd September to rss@stdc.ie or ring 052-7442652 |
| Limerick City Partnership |
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| Westmeath Local Development Company | Live Longer and Prosper Programme in Castletowngeoghan. Email info@westcd.ie |
| SECAD | Community Group Development Programme – online workshop “Writing Successful Application of Grant Funding”. Time: 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm The workshop will cover What funders look for, budgets, common pitfalls, and practical fundraising for larger community projects |
| Leitrim Development Company | Essential Skills for Community Groups 6.30pm at the W8 Manorhamilton
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| LDCN National Conference | |
| Follow our socials and your local LDC’s Socials for action on the day. | |
| Bray and North Wicklow Area Partnership | ‘Food for Thought’ symposium. Learn more. |
| Inishowen Development Partnership | Healthy Food Made Easy Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm Healthy Food Made Easy Programme as part of Sláintecare Healthy Communities. Digital Skills 4-Week Taster Time: 11.00am to 1.00pm Introduction to online digital skills. FaME Strength & Balance Programme Venue: The Exchange, Buncrana Falls management exercise classes focused on balance and falls prevention. Autumn Art & Wellbeing Programme Time: 11.00am to 1.30pm 8-week programme for people aged 55+. Flex & Flow Mat Yoga Time: 6.00pm to 7.00pm 12-week yoga programme for people aged 55+. Stronger For Longer Men’s Fitness Class Time: 1.00pm to 2.00pm Fitness and mobility class for men aged 50+. The Café Kitchen Programme Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm CIEH Level 2 Foundation in Food Safety Catering (HACCP) training with practical kitchen sessions. PEACEPLUS Health Without Borders: RESTORE Farmers Matter Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm Health and wellbeing self-care taster sessions for farmers. |
| Northside Partnership | Human Resources Q&A for Community Organisaions Kish House, Greendale Road, Killbarrack Thursday 1st October 10.00am-12.00pm Contact: Great 01 848 5630 or info@nspartnership.ie Healthy Food Made Easy FREE 6-week Healthy Food Made Easy courses starting: Thursday 01st October 10:30am – 12:30pm in Northside Partnership, Kish House, Greendale Road, Kilbarrack For more information or to book your place, please email hfme@nspartnership.ie or call 01 832 0995 We Can Quit Free 10-week stop smoking support including FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy Group 2: Kilmore West Recreation Centre, 11.00am-12.30pm |
| Westmeath Local Development Company | Live Longer and Prosper Programme in Rosemount. Email info@westcd.ie |
| SECAD | Restart of the Free English Conversation Club in Carrigaline Time:
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| LDCN National Conference | |
| Follow our socials and your local LDC’s Socials for action on the day. | |
| Inishowen Development Partnership | Care4Carers Exploring Me Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm Programme covering personal development, employment and training pathways, health and wellbeing, work-life-caring balance, and future planning. PEACEPLUS Inclusion Not Isolation: GROW Programme Times & Venues:
Six-session resilience programme for primary school classes. Seeds of Change Funding & Mentoring Programme Deadline Time: 5.00pm Deadline for community and voluntary groups across Donegal to apply for grants of up to €650 for projects addressing local issues with a global justice theme. |
| Limerick City Partnership | Act Belong Commit Men’s Group (Friday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm, St. John’s Pavilion) |
| Westmeath Local Development Company | Live Longer and Prosper Programme in Delvin. Email info@westcd.ie |
How has your LDC helped you? Pin a note, photo or video to our digital wall to say thank you.
