Introduction
Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is a community-led local development organization serving County Clare, Ireland. It supports community and voluntary groups, disadvantaged individuals, families, farmers, entrepreneurs and social enterprises through funding, training, employment assistance and rural development programs.
Its work covers social inclusion, rural development, community grants, enterprise support, employment, sustainable energy, climate action, childcare and support for marginalized communities.
History and Background
Clare Local Development Company was established in 2009 through the integration of four established community development initiatives: Éiri Corca Baiscinn, Ennis West Partners, Newmarket on Fergus North and Rural Resource Development.
Its predecessors had been involved in delivering Ireland’s LEADER rural development program in County Clare since 1991. The creation of CLDC brought rural development and social inclusion services together under one countywide organization.
CLDC initially delivered programs including LEADER, social inclusion initiatives, the Rural Social Scheme and the Rural Walks Scheme. Its activities have since expanded considerably.
Mission and Purpose
CLDC works to help people improve their lives while building stronger, more sustainable and inclusive communities.
Its approach emphasizes:
- Community-led development.
- Social inclusion and equality.
- Rural regeneration.
- Employment and enterprise.
- Support for disadvantaged communities.
- Environmental sustainability.
- Community capacity building.
- Local participation and partnership.
The organization works collaboratively with individuals and communities, helping them develop the skills and capacity needed to address local challenges.
Governance and Structure
CLDC is governed by a voluntary, community-led Board of Directors representing different sectors across County Clare.
Board representation includes:
- Community and voluntary organizations.
- Businesses.
- Local government.
- State agencies.
- Farming and social partners.
- Environmental, climate and biodiversity interests.
The current Board is chaired by Denis Tuohy, an agricultural consultant with experience in rural development and environmental and agricultural advisory services.
This diverse governance structure helps ensure that community, business, farming, environmental and public-sector perspectives contribute to the organization’s strategic direction.
Funding and Grants
CLDC helps communities, businesses and individuals access a range of Irish Government and European Union funding programs.
Its main funding-related supports include:
- LEADER Funding
- SICAP supports
- Sustainable Energy Communities funding
- External grants and funding opportunities
- Grant-writing assistance
- Community and social enterprise support
LEADER Programme
The LEADER 2023–2027 Programme supports rural communities, businesses and organizations seeking to create a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive County Clare.
Funding can contribute to areas such as:
- Rural enterprise development.
- Community facilities.
- Rural regeneration.
- Tourism.
- Green and blue economy projects.
- Environmental initiatives.
- Social enterprises.
- Training and capacity building.
In 2025, CLDC reported €591,712 in LEADER investment, supporting projects including community centres, trails, youth spaces, cultural initiatives, businesses, tourism and environmental activities.
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024–2028 aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality.
The program supports both communities and individuals experiencing disadvantage.
Target groups include:
- Disadvantaged families and children.
- Young people.
- People with disabilities.
- Unemployed people.
- Lone parents.
- Travellers and Roma.
- New communities.
- Low-income households.
- Disadvantaged women.
- People disconnected from the labour market.
Support can include education, training, employment guidance, community development, enterprise assistance and help accessing services and funding.
Major Programs and Initiatives
CLDC delivers a broad portfolio of community and rural development programs, including:
- LEADER
- SICAP
- Rural Social Scheme
- Tús
- Local Area Employment Service
- Sustainable Energy Communities
- Rural Recreation
- Traveller Primary Healthcare Project
- Traveller Community Development Project
- Roma Inclusion Project
- Cairde Beag Childcare
These programs allow CLDC to address economic, social and environmental development through an integrated local approach.
Rural Social Scheme
The Rural Social Scheme provides additional income and community work opportunities to eligible low-income farmers and fishers receiving certain social welfare payments.
Participants work with community and voluntary organizations, supporting activities such as maintaining community facilities and delivering local services.
CLDC administers the scheme throughout County Clare, and the Rural Social Scheme and Tús together support more than 190 community and voluntary groups.
Climate Action and Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of CLDC’s work.
The organization supports:
- Sustainable Energy Communities.
- Climate justice projects.
- Rural environmental initiatives.
- Green and blue economy development.
- Community sustainability.
- Biodiversity and local climate action.
CLDC’s Climate Justice and Just Transition Action Plan was approved by its Board in March 2025, providing a framework for working with communities on fair and locally led approaches to climate action.
Employment and Enterprise Support
CLDC assists people seeking employment, education, training or self-employment opportunities.
Support can include:
- CV and job-search assistance.
- Interview preparation.
- Training and education guidance.
- Enterprise development.
- Back-to-work supports.
- Social enterprise development.
- Business mentoring.
These services are particularly important for people experiencing unemployment, disadvantage or barriers to entering the labour market.
Impact and Examples of Work Supported
CLDC reported that it oversaw €7,364,418 in programme investment across County Clare during 2025.
This investment supported community infrastructure, social enterprises, environmental initiatives, employment programs, childcare, rural development and services for disadvantaged communities.
Examples of areas supported include:
- Community centres.
- Walking trails.
- Youth facilities.
- Tourism projects.
- Local businesses.
- Social enterprises.
- Environmental improvements.
- Employment placements.
- Childcare services.
- Traveller and Roma community initiatives.
- Training and community development.
Through these activities, CLDC combines financial investment with mentoring, training, employment assistance and community development support.
Why Clare Local Development Company Matters
CLDC plays an important role in connecting government and EU funding with local communities in County Clare.
Its community-led model enables local people and organizations to identify their own priorities and develop solutions suited to their communities.
The organization’s combination of grants, training, employment services, enterprise support, social inclusion and rural development makes it an important resource for community organizations, entrepreneurs, farmers, social enterprises and disadvantaged individuals.
Conclusion
Clare Local Development Company is a major community and rural development organization working to strengthen communities throughout County Clare.
Since its establishment in 2009, CLDC has expanded from a small group of core rural and social inclusion programs into a multi-program organization delivering LEADER funding, SICAP, employment services, rural schemes, climate initiatives, social enterprise support and community development programs.
With more than €7.3 million in programme investment overseen during 2025, CLDC continues to help communities access resources, develop local projects, create opportunities and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for County Clare.
For more information, visit here.
