Community, Society, Economy: Summit 2030
The inaugural Local Development Conference brings together leaders and changemakers from across sectors to explore how we can build stronger communities, inclusive societies, and resilient local economies.
Join for an inspiring two-day programme featuring keynote addresses, expert panels, and fireside discussions with national and international speakers including Minister Dara Calleary, Minister Jerry Buttimer, Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Michael Reilly, Dr Ebun Joseph, Dr Anna Visser, Piotr Sadłocha, Bairbre Nic Aoghusa, Rosarii Mannion, Michelle Carney and Dr Anne Devlin. Colm O’Regan will host as MC.
Explore the full agenda and speaker bios below, and use the QR codes during the event to easily access this page for session details and updates.
Please note: photography and videography will take place during the event. If you prefer not to be included, please let the organisers know on the day.
| Time | Session |
| 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Registration and Networking Light lunch served |
| 2:00pm – 2:10pm | Civic Welcome – Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, Sean Carey |
| 2:10pm – 2:20pm | Welcome & Opening Remarks Chairperson of LDCN, Thomas Fitzpatrick |
| 2:20pm – 2:30pm | Minister Jerry Buttimer’s Address Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and at the Department of Transport |
| 2:30pm – 3:00pm | Panel Discussion with Minister Jerry Buttimer Moderated by John Feerick, with Maggie Woods, Máirín Ó Cuireáin and Sabina Trench |
| 3:00pm – 3:15pm | Integration at a Local Level Dr Ebun Joseph |
| 3:15pm – 3:45pm | Coffee Break & Networking |
| 3:45pm – 4:00pm | Galway City Partnership Community Singing Groups |
| 4:00pm – 4:20pm | Breaking Silos, Building Futures: Lesson from cross-government coordination on child poverty and child well-being Dr Anna Visser – Department of An Taoiseach |
| 4:20pm – 4:50pm | Panel Discussion: Breaking the Cycle: How Connection and Local Leadership can Reduce Poverty Moderated by Linda Sice Brogan, with Dr Anna Visser, Anne Fitzgerald, Michael Reilly and Terry Hyland |
| 4:50pm – 5:15pm | Plé Painéil: Polasaí na Tuaithe agus na nOileán – An dul chun cinn Stiúrtha ag Maire Ui Mhaolain, le Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Seán Ó Coisdealbha, Máire Uí Chomháil, Micheál Ó hEanaigh agus Brendan O’Malley |
| 5:15pm – 5:30pm | Wrap-Up & Preview of Day 2 |
| Time | Session |
| 9:00am – 9:30am | Registration and Networking Teas and Coffees Served |
| 9:30am – 9:50am | Welcome to Day 2 & Opening Remarks Chairperson of LDCN, Thomas Fitzpatrick |
| 9:50am – 10:10am | Minister Dara Calleary’s Address Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection |
| 10:10am – 10:20am | LEADER: A strategic tool to safeguard in Europe’s post 2027 policies Piotr Sadłocha, President of Elard |
| 10:20am – 10:50am | Rural Development in Ireland and Europe: Past, Present and Future Moderated by Karen Mannion with Piotr Sadłocha, Breandan O’Caoimh, Karen Keaveney, Martina Earley and Chris Gonley |
| 10:50am – 11:20am | Building Stronger Communities: Partnership at the Heart of Local Development. |
| 11:20am – 11:50am | Coffee Break & Networking |
| 11:50pm – 12:10pm | Local Knowledge, Lasting Impact: Why Place Matters in Research and Policy Dr Anne Devlin, ESRI |
| 12:10pm – 12:40pm | The Power of Place: Building Inclusion Through Local Investment Moderated by Una Lowry with Dr Anne Devlin, Paul Rogers and Jennifer Moroney Ward |
| 12:40pm – 12:50pm | Closing Address Chairperson of LDCN Conference, John Feerick |
| 12:50pm – 1:00pm | Thanks & Farewell |
Thursday Speakers
Minister Jerry Buttimer
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and at the Department of Transport
Mr. Jerry Buttimer T.D., is Minister of State at the Department of Rural and
Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with special responsibility for Community
Development and Charities and the Department of Transport with special
responsibility for Rural Transport. He was appointed to these roles on 29 January
2025.
Minister Buttimer is a member of the Fine Gael Party and a T.D. (Member of the Irish
Parliament) for the Cork South-Central constituency since the 2024 general election,
and previously from 2011 to 2016. In December 2022 he was appointed as the
Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. He also served as Leader of the 25th Seanad.
Minister Buttimer was also previously appointed as Chairperson of the Oireachtas
Joint Committee on Health and Children in July 2011. Prior to his election to Dáil
Éireann, the Minister served as a Senator, having been elected in July 2007, and was
a member of Cork City Council from 2004 to 2007. Minister Buttimer is also the founder
of Fine Gael LGBT and Party Spokesperson on Transport.
Professional Career:
Teacher and Director of Adult Education
Sean Carey
Cllr Seán Carey was elected Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council at the Council’s 2025 Annual General Meeting. He was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2024. Cllr Carey has previously served three terms as Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, and now leads Mayo County Council
Thomas Fitzpatrick
Thomas Fitzpatrick is Chairperson of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) and South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC). A farmer based in Hollymount, Co. Mayo, Thomas represents the farming sector on the SWMDC Board as an IFA nominee and has played a key role in supporting rural and community development across the region. Previously serving as Company Secretary, he has been an active and committed board member for several years. As Chairperson, Thomas is guiding the organisation through a period of significant change and growth, focusing on expanding opportunities for local enterprise, inclusion, and sustainability. Deeply rooted in his community, he brings practical insight, integrity, and a strong commitment to strengthening rural life and ensuring that development benefits all
Máirín Ó Cuireáin
Máirín Ó Cuireáin is Chief Executive Officer of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), bringing over three decades of leadership experience across community development, public policy, and organisational strategy. Skilled in building high-performing teams and fostering collaborative cultures, she has led innovative projects that deliver meaningful social and economic impact at both local and national levels. Mairin has served as a non-executive board member with organisations including Victim Support at Court and the Community Wetlands Forum, contributing her expertise in governance, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Previously, she held senior roles with Waterways Ireland and the Robert Emmet Community Development Project. Passionate about inclusion, sustainability, and community empowerment, Mairin is committed to strengthening Ireland’s local development sector through visionary leadership and partnership.
Maggie Woods
Maggie Woods is the Co-ordinator of the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme with Galway City Partnership. Drawing on her own lived experience, she supports individuals with physical, sensory and mental health challenges to build confidence, develop skills, and progress toward sustainable employment. A long-time Galway resident, Maggie has been a dedicated advocate for inclusion and equality since 1986. She is a founding member of the Irish Thalidomide Association, continuing to champion the rights and voices of those with disabilities. Known for her resilience, empathy and authenticity, Maggie brings a person-centred, empowering approach to her work, helping others navigate barriers to participation and realise their full potential
John Feerick
John Feerick is the Chief Executive Officer of Sligo LEADER Partnership, a role he has held since 2020. Prior to joining the local development sector, John had a distinguished career in media, holding senior leadership roles with several regional publications. He served as Managing Director of The Sligo Champion, The Kerryman, and The Corkman, as part of his position as Regional Managing Director with Independent News & Media. He began his media career with The Mayo News.
Through his work in regional media, John developed a strong understanding of and passion for local development, collaborating on initiatives with organisations such as Sligo LEADER Partnership, IRD Duhallow, and NEWKD.
A committed advocate for rural development and social inclusion, John champions greater opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. He actively contributes to the sector through his involvement on various steering groups and sub-committees within the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), promoting collaboration and shared learning across the sector.
Sabina Trench
Sabina Trench is the Chief Executive Officer of South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC), leading a large team of dedicated to empowering people and communities across the region. Passionate about County Mayo and the west of Ireland, Sabina brings ambition and vision to her role – championing strategic and sustainable development in one of Europe’s most peripheral areas.
Under her leadership, SWMDC has expanded into Rural Regeneration Development Fund and European Innovation Partnership projects. With support from the SWMDC voluntary Board, Sabina and her team have secured complementary programmes including AMIF, WorkAbility, Living Well, and the Mayo Resettlement Programme, which support an integrated approach to local development.
She is driven by the belief that the evolving character of rural Ireland offers transformative potential for economic growth, community resilience, and social innovation.
Dr Anna Visser
Dr. Anna Visser is an experienced policy and research professional, having successfully led teams and organizations in both the public and non-profit sectors. In April 2023, she was appointed as head of the newly established Child Poverty and Well Being Programme Office within the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister). Prior to this role, Anna was Head of Research and Evaluation in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, where she led an extensive research programme, including the national longitudinal Growing up in Ireland study.
Before joining the civil service in 2019, Anna spent 15 years working in the non-profit sector in Ireland, Brussels and Northern Ireland. During this time was the Director of The Advocacy Initiative and the Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland.
Anna’s commitment to making a positive difference extends beyond her professional endeavours. She has served as a board member for various non-profit organizations and is currently a voluntary board member at a local community centre where she lives in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Anna is a member of several interdepartmental groups and is a member of the audit committee of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). Anna holds a PhD from the School of Social Policy, Social Work, and Social Justice at University College Dublin, and has recently completed a Diploma in Systems Thinking for Strategy with the Open University.
Linda Sice Brogan
Linda Sice Brogan is Chief Executive Officer of Galway City Partnership. Linda has a strong track record in community development, both in urban and rural settings. She is particularly focused on addressing social exclusion, long-term unemployment, and helping communities to participate in shaping services and supports.
Linda brings a wealth of experience in fostering collaborative engagement between service users, professionals, and policy-makers. She is recognised locally for her advocacy around inclusivity in planning and public services, for supporting new communities, and for ensuring that people from all walks of life have opportunities to engage, contribute, and thrive.
Linda holds a Master’s Degree in Community Development and a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership in Health and Wellbeing and has been involved in co-designing and delivering projects that prioritise the voices of underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.
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Terry Hyland
Terry Hyland has served as Chief Executive Officer of Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) since 2018 but has been employed with the organisation since 2004. CCLD is the integrated local development company for County Cavan, delivering a wide range of social inclusion, community development, anti-poverty, and rural development programmes that support individuals, families, and communities across the county.
Approach is collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, ensuring that local development initiatives remain responsive to the evolving needs of people and communities in Cavan.
Terry is also Chairperson of the Board of Cavan/Monaghan Local Link, which provides vital rural transport services across both counties. In addition, he plays an active role on several interagency committees and working groups, including the DEDP for the Upper Shannon Region, the Shannon–Erne and Border Implementation Group, and the Cavan Community Response Forum, contributing to regional planning, cross-border collaboration, and inclusive local development strategies.
Deeply rooted in community life, Terry has a long-standing passion for the GAA and is actively involved in coaching underage teams, promoting participation, teamwork, and local pride among young players.
Anne Fitzgerald
Anne Fitzgerald, while originally a native of Kerry, has now spent most of her life living and working in Dublin. While in Dublin she spent many years working as a Guidance Counsellor with the ETB, then a Programme Manager with the Dublin Northwest Partnership and since late 2016 as CEO of Liffey Area Partnership CLG. Anne’s core personal and professional mission is to work in collaboration with others focusing her strategic attention on alleviating acute poverty and social exclusion by nurturing and encouraging lifelong development, lifelong learning, labour market inclusion, and civic participation. She has a particular interest in supporting communities and individuals to find their own voice to advocate for themselves and fully believes in the potential of all the people who live within Cherry Orchard. She has championed evidence-based initiatives such as the Spinning Plates Food Poverty Needs Assessment, which highlights local strategies for tackling inequality and improving access to nutritious food.
Bairbre Nic Aongusa
Bairbre Nic Aonghusa is Assistant Secretary for Community Development at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). She oversees national policy on local and community development, libraries, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), supports for the community and voluntary sector, and the Charities Regulator. Previously, she served as Assistant Secretary at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, leading on social housing and rental policy. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles in the Department of Health, including Director of the Office for Disability and Mental Health. With extensive experience in public sector reform, governance, and social policy, Bairbre is a key figure in shaping Ireland’s approach to community development, social inclusion, and supporting the voluntary and charitable sectors nationwide.serves as Assistant Secretary for Community Development, where she leads policy and programme delivery in key areas supporting communities and social inclusion across Ireland.
Máire Uí Mhaoláin
Máire Uí Mhaoláin is í Príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhar na nOileán, an comhlacht forbartha áitiúil do phobail oileánda na hÉireann. Is as Cill Chiaráin i gConamara ó dhúchas di agus tá sí ag cur fúithi ar Inis Oírr ó 2004 i leith. Tá breis agus 30 bliain de thaithí aici i réimse na forbartha pobail, agus tá sí tar éis obair a dhéanamh le heagraíochtaí ar nós Cumas Teo, Coiste Cúram Leanaí Chathair agus Chontae na Gaillimhe, Clár Interreg Chomhghuaillíocht Oileáin Bheaga na hEorpa, agus Comhar Caomhán Teo. Is duine í atá tiomanta don daonlathas rannpháirteach, rud a spreagadh inti ó aois óg.
Faoi stiúir Mháire, cuireann Comhar na nOileán cláir tacaíochta ar fáil do na hoileáin amach ó chóstaí Dhún na nGall, Mhaigh Eo, na Gaillimhe agus Chorcaí, chomh maith leis an gclár LEADER ar thrí leithinis in Iarthar Chorcaigh, agus an Ghaeilge ag croílár na hoibre. Cé nach bhfuil ach ochtar fostaithe lánaimseartha ag an eagraíocht, tá tionchar náisiúnta ag baint lena hobair, lena n-áirítear maoiniú faoi leith a chinntiú d’oileáin agus cur le polasaí náisiúnta do na hoileáin. Tá Máire thar a bheith bródúil as leanúnachas agus ról abhcóideach na heagraíochta, atá dílis don fhís atá ag croílár na foirne: pobail bhuana, bheoga a chothú agus a chothabháil ar oileáin na hÉireann. In ainneoin na ndúshlán leanúnach, fanann a dtiomantas daingean.
Seán Ó Coisdealbha
Seán Ó Coisdealbha is Regional Manager (West Region) with Údarás na Gaeltachta, where he leads initiatives supporting sustainable tourism, enterprise development, and the Irish language across Gaeltacht communities. He played a key role in shaping the Mayo Food & Drink Strategy 2020–2025 and actively promotes innovation in Irish-language media and creative industries. With a strong interest in language planning and regional growth, Seán has championed opportunities such as dark-sky tourism in the West. Drawing on his academic and professional expertise in quality management, he continues to foster operational excellence within Gaeltacht SMEs and community enterprises.Udarás
Máire Uí Chomháil
Máire Uí Chomhaill is Manager of Ionad Naomh Pádraig in Dobhair (Gweedore), a vital community hub providing essential social services such as meals for the elderly, domestic support, and safety initiatives for vulnerable residents. A dedicated community advocate, she is a regular contributor to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Barrscéalta, where she highlights social and economic challenges facing her community. In March 2025, she was appointed Social Inclusion representative on the Donegal Local Community Development Committee. Máire is widely recognised for her tireless commitment to social inclusion, rural wellbeing, and giving a voice to those most in need across Donegal’s Gaeltacht.
Micheál Ó hEanaigh
Board member of Pobal and Retired Ceo of Udarás na Gaeltachta Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh is an experienced leader in regional and rural development, having served as Chief Executive Officer of Údarás na Gaeltachta (2017–2022) and previously as Director of Planning, Economic Development, Cultural and Community Services at Donegal County Council. He holds Master’s Degrees in Rural Development (NUI Galway) and Education, Training & Development (University of Sheffield). Mícheál has championed the integration of language, culture, and enterprise in regional growth strategies. Currently Vice-President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), he also serves on several boards advancing rural strategy, tourism, and cultural-economic policy, including Pobal.
Brendan O'Malley
Brendan O’Malley is a farmer, Gaeilgeoir and has over 30 years experience in the community sector. He works with FORUM Connemara and has a diverse career in advocacy, social inclusion and rural development. His work has included supporting families, assisting disadvantaged people through employment mediation, serving as an RSS supervisor and working as a Rural Recreation Officer for Co. Galway. Currently, Brendan works with WorkAbility, a programme that supports people with disabilities in accessing meaningful employment, continuing a lifelong commitment to farming, the Irish language, empowering communities and fostering inclusion
Dr. Ebun Joseph
Dr. Ebun Joseph is an antiracism scholar, consultant, and CEO and Founder of the Institute of Anti-Racism and Black Studies (IABS). She serves as Ireland’s Special Rapporteur on Racism and Racial Equality and is the coordinator and lecturer of Ireland’s first Black Studies module at University College Dublin (UCD). Dr. Joseph is the Founder and former Chairperson of the African Scholars Association Ireland (AFSAI, 2018–2022). A leading voice on race and equality, she is a regular TV panelist, columnist, and public speaker. Her publications include Racial Stratification in Ireland: A Critical Race Theory of Labour Market Inequality (2021) and the edited collection Equity in the Workplace: Stories of Black Irish Women in the Workplace and Academia (2024; 2025). Her article won an IJS award for the best original contribution in any given year.
Michael Reilly
Michael Reilly is an ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer with Longford Sports Partnership, and a recognised EU Expert for the Inclusion of Travellers in Sport. He designs and leads inclusive programmes such as the Urban Horse Project and Sports Introduction Initiative – both of which have been shortlisted for national awards in inclusion. His work is grounded in co-design, ensuring communities themselves shape the programmes they take part in.
Alongside this, Michael is a Roma and Traveller advocate and activist. He chairs the County Longford Drug & Alcohol Forum, is a lead contributor to national research on the barriers and facilitators to physical activity in Travellers and Roma, and serves on several boards, including Sport Ireland’s National Advisory Board on Diversity and Inclusion.
Colm O'Regan
Colm O’Regan is a critically acclaimed comedian, author, and broadcaster. He has performed stand-up across four continents and is the creator of The Dublin Story Slam and resident MC at Inn Jokes in Dublin. His RTÉ Radio 1 series Colm O’Regan Wants a Word won multiple awards, while his seven best-selling books include the Irish Mammy trilogy, Bolloxology, and Climate Worrier, an Irish Book Award nominee praised for combining comedy and climate action. Colm also writes a weekly column for the Irish Examiner and continues to blend humour, heart, and insight into Irish life at every turn.
Friday Speakers
Minister Dara Calleary
Dara Calleary has served as a TD for Mayo since 2007. In January 2025, he was appointed Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Dara has been a member of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe since 2020, and also serves on the Joint Oireachtas Committees on European Affairs and on the Irish Language.
From 2022 to 2024, he was Minister of State for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, following earlier roles as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Passionate about community development, innovation, and Ireland’s place in Europe, Dara continues to advocate for rural communities and sustainable growth across the country.
Annette Fox
Annette Fox is the Chief Executive Officer of Carlow County Development Partnership CLG and a recognised leader in community development and social inclusion. With over 35 years of experience in community-led local development, project management, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, she has consistently championed equality, human rights, and social justice at local, national, and international levels.
Annette has held senior management roles across the private, public, and voluntary sectors, where she has delivered innovative, high-quality outcomes and fostered strong partnerships to drive meaningful change.
She holds a BA in Communications, a BA (Hons) in Citizenship and Community Studies, and a Master’s in Child, Youth and Family Studies, alongside a range of professional qualifications that reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in leadership.
Rosarii Mannion
Dr. Rosarii Mannion is Chairperson of Pobal, a not-for-profit organisation working on behalf of the Government of Ireland to promote social inclusion, equality, and community development. Appointed to the Board in 2020 and as Chair in 2021, she brings extensive leadership experience across the public and social sectors. Rosarii is also National Director of People & Change with Tusla – Child and Family Agency, and serves on the Global Board of the International Coaching Federation. A Chartered Director (C Dir) and Fellow of the CIPD, she is passionate about justice, inclusion, and the power of effective leadership to strengthen organisations and society. Her career reflects a deep commitment to supporting people, communities, and systems to reach their full potential.
Martin Lydon
Martin Lydon is a qualified accountant, with 35 years of experience in local government. He started his career in the London Borough of Southwark, before moving to Kent County Council where he worked in a number of roles including education and housing.
In 2005 he joined Sligo County Council as a Financial \ Management Accountant. In 2008, Martin joined Roscommon County Council as Head of Finance. During his 13 years with the Council, he was also responsible for Community and Enterprise, Planning and Housing.
In August 2021, Martin was appointed as Chief Executive of Sligo County Council. During 2022, he was appointed as Chairperson of the CCMA Finance Committee, with his tenure ending in October 2024 when he was elected to the CCMA Executive and appointed to the Board of the Local Government Management Agency. He is currently Chair of the LGMA Finance Committee, Local Government Electoral Registration System (LGERS) Project Board and the Strandhill Campus (recently renamed as SoCo Lab) a local social enterprise. Martin is also a member of the LGMA Change Management Committee, e-Planning Project Board and is a Director of the Advanced Innovation Manufacturing (AIM Centre) in Sligo.
Finbarr Filan
Finbarr is a native of Sligo town and operates the award-winning family owned Centra store in Sligo. Having qualified as a Manufacturing Engineer, Finbarr has many years’ experience at senior level in Medical Device Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Construction prior to moving to retail.
Finbarr is the Treasurer of Sligo LEADER Partnership and has acted as Chairperson over the course of 2025. He is the national Chairperson of ISME and is also Chair of the Purple Flag team (award for towns and cities that reach a standard of excellence in the evening and nighttime economy), Chair of Sligo Tidy Towns, Chair of the St Patricks Day Festival Committee, member of the Government Advisory Group for the Town Centre First Policy in the Programme for Government and steering group member of the Irish Town and City Development Association.
Finbarr is steadfast in his commitment to assisting in town centre management, promoting Sligo as a destination of choice and most importantly ensuring the continued survival of both the FDI and indigenous SME sectors in regional towns.
Finbarr holds a BTech in Manufacturing Technology, ACCA Dip in Accounting and Finance and Post Grad Diplomas in European Studies and Management.
Piotr Sadłocha
Piotr Sadłocha is a highly experienced executive and leader in the field of rural development. With a Master’s degree in Engineering from Politechnika Świętokrzyska, Piotr has dedicated his career to fostering sustainable growth in rural areas.
Since October 2010, he has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Stowarzyszenie Rozwoju Wsi Świętokrzyskiej, where he manages the association and oversees the implementation of the Local Development Strategy, focusing on legal and financial matters.
In addition to his executive roles, Piotr has held significant positions within various organizations. He is the Chairman of the Board of the Polish Network of Local Action Groups and the Chairman of the LEADER Thematic Group, established by the Polish Rural Network. He is also a member of the Steering Committee for the Polish National Rural Network+ and the Monitoring Committee of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027.
Piotr’s extensive experience and commitment to rural development are further highlighted by his role as the President of the European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD). ELARD is an organization that unites over 2,600 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across 29 European countries. In this capacity, Piotr represents ELARD in the European Council for Agriculture and Food, advocating for sustainable rural development policies and facilitating the exchange of best practices among its members
Breandan O'Caoimh
Dr Breandán Ó Caoimh is a human geographer and social scientist with a practitioner background in rural development. He is an independent consultant working in the fields of social research, local development, community planning, evaluation, project management and organisational change. As an academic, he was a senior lecturer in geography and director of quality in Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Prior to that, he served as the local development coordinator with IRD Duhallow, where he facilitated bottom-up engagement in decision-making and drove an evidence-based approach to all aspects of the organisation’s extensive remit. Breandán has considerable national and international experience in academic, policy and practitioner settings. He is an active volunteer with a number of community, environmental and cultural organisations. He will be drawing on this experience as a panellist for the Rural Development discussion.
Karen Keaveney
Dr Karen Keaveney is Associate Professor of Rural Development in the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, leading the Citizen Rural Research Lab there. She is a Rural Geographer and qualified Urban Planner, with expertise in local decision-making and governance, sustainable rural development, and socio-economic change in the countryside, and is widely published in these areas. Prior to joining UCD, Karen was a Lecturer in Rural Spatial Planning at Queen’s University Belfast and has held visiting appointments at Harvard University and the University of Toronto. She is dedicated to bridging research and policy, and is Chair of the National Decarbonising Zone Advisory Group appointed by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and SEAI. Karen is the Irish representative on the EU Rural Pact Coordination Group, which steers the Rural Pact across Europe, providing a framework and vision for rural policy in Member States.
Karen Mannion
Karen Mannion is the Chief Executive Officer of FORUM Connemara CLG and has strategic responsibility for organisational governance, resource management, and operational delivery across eleven integrated social, economic, and environmental programmes employing nearly sixty staff. Deeply committed to sustainable rural development, Karen’s leadership is informed by a vision of building the capacity and resilience of Connemara—a region facing profound demographic, infrastructural, and environmental challenges, including population ageing, depopulation, and geographic isolation.
Karen chairs the Local Development Companies Network’s EU Rural Futures Group and represents the network on the CAP Stakeholders Consultative Committee, influencing policy at national and EU levels. A founding member and Company Secretary of Connemara Therapeutic Riding, Karen has advanced inclusive health and social participation initiatives in Connemara. As inaugural Chair of the national charity SMA Ireland and former Chair of Clifden Community Arts Week, “taispeánann Karen tiomantas leanúnach don cheannaireacht shóisialta, don fhorbairt chultúrtha, agus don chomhionannas sóisialta.”
Martina Earley
Martina Earley is Chief Executive of Roscommon LEADER Partnership, where she leads programmes supporting rural enterprise, community development and social inclusion across County Roscommon. With over two decades’ experience in local development, she has guided the organisation through significant growth and innovation, strengthening partnerships between communities, businesses and public bodies. Martina is a passionate advocate for the bottom-up approach that empowers people to shape their own communities and promotes sustainable rural futures through collaboration and capacity-building.
Chris Gonley
Chris Gonley is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a strong background in enterprise, community, and rural development, as well as senior public sector management. As CEO of Leitrim Development Company, he leads strategic initiatives that promote sustainable local enterprise, social inclusion, and community growth. Previously, he held senior roles with the Health Service Executive, overseeing business compliance and programme management, and served as CEO of Sligo LEADER Partnership Company. Chris holds a Master’s in Public Administration (Finance and Human Resources) from the National University of Ireland – Institute of Public Administration. He is passionate about strategic leadership, innovation in rural development, and empowering communities to achieve long-term economic and social resilience.
Dr Anne Devlin
Dr Anne Devlin is an economist with the Economic and Social Research Institute in Dublin.
Her research interests are primarily in the areas of labour economics, disability, education, and social inclusion. Anne’s work across these areas has increasingly taken a place-based approach. Anne has also been involved in a range of projects examining various aspects of the all-island economy and North South cooperation on the island of Ireland. Anne has published her work in a range of national and international academic journals.
Anne obtained her PhD in Economics from Queen’s University Belfast. Her PhD research examined the high levels of disability in Northern Ireland and whether there is a relationship with the conflict in NI.
Anne is a Visiting Scholar at Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast, a Steering Group member of the All-Island Social Security Network, an advisor to the Centre for Economics, Policy and History, and a mentor to Economics students in Queen’s University Belfast interested in pursuing research careers
Una Lowry
Úna Lowry is the Chief Executive Officer of Dublin South City Partnership (DSCP), where she leads a team of over 60 staff and 120 programme participants in delivering national anti-poverty and social inclusion initiatives. With more than 20 years’ experience in the local development sector, Úna has a proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, governance, and partnership building. She is recognised for her collaborative leadership style and expertise in fostering multi-stakeholder engagement to achieve better outcomes for marginalised communities.
Before becoming CEO in 2018, Úna held senior management roles within DSCP, County Kildare LEADER Partnership, and Laois and Offaly County Councils. She holds an MA in Public Management and multiple qualifications in leadership, negotiation, and community development.
Paul Rogers
Paul Rogers is CEO of Northside Partnership, a community-based organisation working to support social inclusion and local development in Dublin. With over two decades of experience in the community and voluntary sector, Paul has worked across areas including strategic planning, organisational development, communications, project management, and IT.
Originally from Coolock, Paul previously held senior roles with Dublin North West Area Partnership, where he managed programmes focused on local and community development. Before that, he worked in the clothing industry and later in the IT sector as an instructional designer, returning to education as a mature student.
Paul is a strong advocate for Place-Based Leadership and played a key role in promoting and supporting the development of the Leading for Collective Impact programme in Darndale and Drogheda. He believes that building leadership capacity within communities is essential to long-term change, and that this is best achieved by bringing together local residents, community organisations, and statutory service providers to work collaboratively. His commitment to this approach reflects a broader belief in the power of collective action and shared leadership to address complex social challenges.
He is a firm believer in collaboration and has served on the boards of several organisations addressing issues such as health and wellbeing, unemployment, community safety, suicide prevention, and civic participation.
Jennifer Moroney Ward
Jennifer Moroney Ward is the CEO of Limerick City Partnership, a leading local development company dedicated to advancing social inclusion and community empowerment. With extensive experience across the public, community, and voluntary sectors, she has held senior leadership roles with South Dublin County Council, North Munster Citizens Information Service, and Learning Hub Limerick, which she developed from a start-up into a vibrant educational organisation. Skilled in strategic planning, people and operations management, and partnership building, she is deeply committed to fostering equality, innovation, and collaboration to create stronger, more inclusive communities across Limerick and beyond.
Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor
Jennifer Murnane O’Connor was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy in January 2025. In her previous role as Spokesperson on Children, Jennifer worked with Government to push the agenda for Children’s groups and children to the fore. She advocated for additional parental, educational and childcare supports and increased mental health supports for children. Jennifer is also the Oireachtas Ambassador for Women.
Michelle Carney
Michelle is a purpose-driven, values-led leader with a diverse and accomplished career spanning the charity, international NGO, commercial sport, and professional sport sectors. She has a proven track record of transforming organisations, building high-performing teams, and driving innovation to create significant social impact.
Michelle’s expertise includes governance, strategy, finance, and organisational change, having led major transformations at organisations such as Special Olympics Great Britain and an innovative charity & social enterprise in Africa. She has worked with globally recognised organisations including Comic Relief, Commonwealth Games, and Cisco, advising on strategy, fundraising, and social impact initiatives.
As the founder of Purpose Driven Impact Consulting, Michelle provides consultancy support to clients around the world, offering interim C-suite leadership and strategic advice. She is also an expert public speaker, frequently presenting on resilience, leadership in adversity, and the power of inclusion and diversity. Holding a Master’s degree in Leadership & Organisational Change and an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University for her outstanding contribution to sport,
Michelle is passionate about empowering others through mentoring, coaching, and speaking engagements. A recognised advocate for social change, she has contributed extensively to global conversations around neurodiversity and inclusion, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovative thinking to create more inclusive and sustainable environments..