International local development perspectives

LDnet.eu

A new website called ‘LDnet’ focuses on “local development” work across Europe and further afield. The site is being added to all the time and includes an up-to-date article on local development in Ireland.

It looks at a new pilot project recently launched in six US cities by the Obama administration called ‘Strong Cities, Strong Communities’. It also examines the pros and cons of British prime Minister David Cameron's ‘Big Society’ approach to supporting communities, and much more.

W: ldnet.eu

Supporting local businesses - A RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TASTER!

The Local and Community Development Programme is one of around a dozen programmes administered by Local Development Companies (aka Partnerships) around the country.
One of the better-known programmes is LEADER (or to use call it by its proper title, the Rural Development Programme). 
Here's just one example, from Kerry, of how the North East Kerry Development used funding from the Rural Development Programme to make a real difference for a small business in Ballybunion that employs eight seasonal staff.

NOTE: The upcoming edition of 'Changing Ireland' out this June will include a 2-page feature on the RDP. As well as supporting small local businesses, the RDP also funds projects that engage in community development, tourism interests and heritage work.