Supports & Resources

Offaly Local Development Company & Westmeath Community Development supporting the Creative Sector

Rural Development/ LEADER Programme

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

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

info@leo.offalycoco.ie

Local enterprise Westmeath

Local Enterprise Office Westmeath
Áras an Chontae
Mount Street,
Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath

044 9338945

localenterprise@westmeathcoco.ie

Design & Crafts Council Ireland

Design & Crafts Council Ireland,

Castle Yard, Kilkenny,

R95 CAA6, Ireland.

www.dcci.ie