Supports & Resources
Offaly Local Development Company & Westmeath Community Development supporting the Creative Sector
The LEADER Programme – funded by both the EU and Irish Government – is a programme to support communities across Offaly and Westmeath to build on what they have in their local area; overcome social and economic challenges they may face and make the most of the opportunities that may arise. The programme provides financial assistance (grants), advice and training to support businesses start up, expand or develop new products; communities projects to be planned and carried out and assist projects that help the rural environment (natural, built, and cultural) within Offaly to flourish and thrive.
Who can avail of supports:
Businesses in the sectors of Craft, Food, Tourism, Manufacturing, Technology and Creative Industries. Businesses operating as community based social enterprises. Community organisations for development or upgrading of community amenities and buildings that are open to all; improvements to their local environment or projects aimed at benefiting specific groups within their community e.g. older people, young people, people living in rural isolation.
Contact Details
Roisin Lennon,
Rural Development LEADER Programme Team Leader
Offaly Local Development Company
Millennium House,
Main St,
Tullamore,
Co Offaly,
R35 Y7P2
Tel +353 (0)57 9322850
Email: rlennon@offalyldc.ie
Web:www.offalyldc.ie
Bernie Leavy
Rural Development LEADER Programme Team Leader
Westmeath Community Development
Mullingar E.T.I. Cntr
Mullingar Business Park
Mullingar
Co. Westmeath
Tel: +353 (0)44 93 48571
Email: bleavy@westcd.ie
Web: www.westcd.ie
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) (Westmeath)
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024–2028 provides
funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement
and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and
public sector agencies. SICAP is a targeted, holistic programme for those who are most
disadvantaged and less likely to use mainstream services, which provides supports directly
to beneficiaries and links them into existing services. It is a multi-faceted programme that
provides supports to respond to individual and community needs, aiming to ensure that
beneficiaries receive quality, tailored supports, while also allowing flexibility to adapt actions
to local need. SICAP also prioritises local engagement and partnerships, between SICAP
Programme Implementers, disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public
sector agencies.
For further information contact:
Tricia McKenna, Westmeath Community Development,
Mullingar E.T.I. Centre, Mullingar Business Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 X012
Tel: 044 9348571 • Email: TMcKenna@westcd.ie • Web: wwwwestcd.ie
Linda Jo Quinn, Westmeath Community Development,
Unit 4 Rockdean, Blyry Business & Commercial Park, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 CA39
Tel: 044 9348571 • Email. ljquinn@westcd.ie • Web wwwwestcd.ie
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) (Offaly)
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the
Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the
European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST)
Programme 2021–2027. SICAP offers assistance to individuals and communities in many
ways, including employment and training support, wellbeing supports and support to local
community groups and networks, including many craft groups throughout Offaly. Through
SICAP, individuals can gain access to innovative initiatives including MenPower, Social
Prescribing, Finding Focus and Realities of Self Employment.
For further information contact:
Louise Larkin, Offaly Local Development Company,
Millennium House, Main St, Tullamore, Co. Offaly R35Y7P2
Tel: 057 9322850 • 087 6925276 • Email: llarkin@offalyldc.ie • www.offalyldc.ie
Realities of Self Employment Programme
The Realities of Self Employment Programme is the starting place for client’s, wishing to explore the possibility of starting their own business.
There are three morning’s group training online and this is followed by one to one coaching/mentoring sessions depending on the needs of the clients.
For further information please contact:
Marye Meehan
Offaly Local Development Company,
Above the Library,
43 JKL St.,
Edenderry,
Offaly,
R45 A389
Tel:+353 (0)57 9322 850 Email: mmeehan@offalyldc.ie
Web www.offalyldc.ie
Business Development Programme
Make your business idea a reality with Offaly Local Development Company & Westmeath Community Development Business Development programme.
We are here to guide and support you in setting out on the exciting prospect of starting and owning your own business.
We support learners to explore their skills and business ideas, and we offer additional supports that enable you to reach your full potential and prepare for self employment.
Des Regan Business Development Programme Coordinator
Offaly Local Development Company
Millennium House,
Main St,
Tullamore,
Co Offaly,
R35 Y7P2
Tel: 057 9322 850 Email: dregan@offalyldc.ie
Eddie Newman
Westmeath Community Development
Mullingar E.T.I. Cntr
Mullingar Business Park
Mullingar
Co. Westmeath
Tel: 044 9348571
Email enewman@westcd.ie
Other Supports
There are additional external supports for the creative sectors in Westmeath, Offaly & nationwide.
Local Enterprise Offaly
Local Enterprise Office Offaly
Offaly County Council
Aras an Chontae
Charleville Road
Tullamore
Co. Offaly
057 9357480
Local Enterprise Westmeath
Local Enterprise Office Westmeath
Áras an Chontae
Mount Street,
Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath
044 9338945
