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Cavan Businesses: It’s time to embrace diversity! Local employers gathered at Farnham Estate on Monday morning for our 'Maximising Value through Inclusive Employment' breakfast networking event. Organised by Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) (SICAP & WorkAbility teams) alongside the Cavan Disability Network, the seminar shined a light on the massive commercial value, cultural benefits, and financial supports available when hiring disabled people. Key highlights from the m

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) marked an important milestone during Local Development Week, celebrating 30 years of local development, social inclusion and community partnership in County Cavan. The 30 Years Celebration brought together CCLD's diverse areas of work in one programme, providing an opportunity to reflect on local development while also looking at the issues, communities and initiatives shaping its work today. From social inclusion and rural development to

At Cavan County Local Development, supporting older people is about helping people stay connected, independent and involved in their local communities. In this video, Joanne McCOabe and Lenka Stubniakova highlight the work taking place with community groups across County Cavan and the important role of services such as Meals on Wheels and the Community Car Service. Together, these community-based supports provide practical help while strengthening connections and helping olde

Accessibility benefits everyone. Pat O'Brien highlights how CCLD's support of Cavan Disability Network has helped strengthen the voice of people with disabilities and create a more inclusive County Cavan. Congratulations on 30 years of service. #CCLD30

As Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) celebrates 30 years of supporting communities across County Cavan, we are proud to recognise the people who have helped make that impact possible. One of those people is Iris O'Callaghan, who has dedicated 25 years to community development through CCLD. Throughout her career, Iris has worked across a wide range of programmes, supporting individuals, families and communities while promoting inclusion, opportunity and lifelong learning.

Cavan County Local Development manages the SICAP Programme in co. Cavan. SICAP is the country’s main national programme for reducing poverty, promoting social inclusion and equality. It is funded by the Irish Government (Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht) and co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021–2027. The video highlights programme activity, funding levels, su

SICAP has been working in partnership with HSE Day Centres in Cavan and Virginia to bring a creative programme of art classes to people with severe and multiple disabilities. The emphasis has been to tap into the creative talents of the participants and support them in creating meaningful pieces of art. This has been achieved under the direction of art therapist Carol Ann Farrelly, however, the input of the Care Staff at the Day Centres has been a key element of the success o

Woodcarving classes in Dowra and Belturbet this July are bringing opportunities to people in rural and disadvantaged communities (as defined by the Pobal Deprivation Maps) to learn tradition skills, many for the first time, in a friendly and encouraging environment. The summer school has also sought to engage 18-25 year-olds as a target group alongside other adults. Under the guidance of tutor Joey Burns, participants are creating woodcarvings of quality and the goal of the s

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) was proudly represented at the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) pre‑budget event in Buswells, Dublin, as community leaders and politicians gathered to highlight the importance of sustained investment in Ireland’s communities. The event centred on the LDCN’s submission, “Invest in the Ambition – Delivering on the Vision of Stronger Communities and a Fairer Ireland,” bringing into sharp focus the vital role local development compa

What happens when creativity, community spirit, and inclusion come together in one place? On Friday, 10 July 2026, Belturbet will provide the answer—through an inspiring, family-focused celebration of co. Cavan National Play Day 2026 that highlights the power of play to shape brighter futures. Cavan Local Development (CCLD) is proud to host “Every Little Hand Can Change the World – Play For All”, a free community event taking place at the Belturbet Goods Store from 14:00 to 1

On June 23rd, the Cavan Crystal Hotel became a launchpad for ambition, as Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) welcomed a full room of aspiring entrepreneurs to a dynamic information and networking seminar designed to turn ideas into enterprise. Great attendance by aspiring entrepreneurs from the Ukrainian community in Cavan. From the outset, the energy in the room signalled something significant: individuals from across County Cavan—many currently out of work or in part-tim

Cavan County Local Development CEO Terry Hyland and staff were proud to attend the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) Pre‑Budget Submission 2027 event, joining colleagues from across Ireland to support a united call for stronger investment in communities. The submission highlights key priorities for social inclusion, including the need to: “invest an additional €6.1m to begin the work of restoring SICAP’s real value” and to “embed New Arrivals funding of €10m in SIC

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) is happy to have supported the networking event, held Friday 5th of June, designed to bring together community organisations, services, and groups from across the region to share ideas, build relationships, and explore ways of supporting local communities on a budget. “Knowing Me Knowing You – Connecting on a Budget” took place on Friday, 5th June 2026, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Gallonray House, Madabawn, County Cavan (H16 X409). This eve

No experience required. Tools and wood provided. Come along and enjoy the craic under the guidance of tutor Joey Burns. When : Tuesday and Wednesdays in July Where - Belturbet Men's Shed or Dowra Men's Shed (Doobally Hall) Cost - Membership fees of the men's Shed and refreshments €30. How to book - contact Sandy Holland sholland@ccld.ie 087 6664108 or apply online at [https://forms.office.com/e/vZV4h0UAsp](https://forms.office.com/e/vZV4h0UAsp?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZB

Thinking About Starting Your Own Business? Have you ever considered becoming your own boss but weren’t sure where to begin? Whether you have a business idea already taking shape or are simply exploring self-employment as a future option, this free event is designed to help you understand the supports, guidance and opportunities available to you. Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) is delighted to invite anyone interested in starting a business to attend A to Z Start Your Ow

SICAP has been working alongside volunteers at the Belturbet Community Allotments for several years, developing the site each year. Recently, with two small grants from SICAP, the Group has been able to improve existing fencing and install new fencing; improve their composting area and put in new paths to improve access for people with limited mobility. This has been especially evident for a group from St Bricin's College, whose students with Special Needs have an allotment.

Sandy Holland, who organised the training said "It is an important support to give the Group to fulfill the requirements of their Insurance Policy and to give the Group scope to expand their programme of activities over the next year". The Certificate gained is also useful for people in their employment, on the farm and in everyday life. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Co

Students at St Mogue’s College in West Cavan have been taking part in a series of workshops designed to help build confidence in writing skills. The ‘Words to Music’ programme, delivered by Sandy Holland of Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), uses writing song lyrics to make the process enjoyable and inclusive. The students also contributed to the writing of the music and decided to have a go at singing their composition themselves. Sandy explains ”There is real value in l