Cavan County Local Development Showcases Impact at National Pre‑Budget Event 2026
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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 companies play in tackling social exclusion, supporting rural economies, and building resilient communities nationwide.
A Strong Cavan Presence at the Heart of National Dialogue
County Cavan was strongly represented among colleagues from across Ireland, demonstrating the Cavan County Local Development's continued leadership in delivering impactful programmes including SICAP, LEADER, Tús and the Rural Social Scheme.
The event was also notable for the strong attendance of political representatives from the Cavan–Monaghan constituency and nationally, underlining cross-party recognition of the importance of community-led development.
County Cavan, as part of the national representation included engagement with a wide range of elected officials across both Houses of the Oireachtas, reflecting broad political support for local development initiatives.
Political Support for Community Investment
Engagement at the LDCN Pre‑Budget event in Buswells, supporting continued investment in local development.
Participating in discussions around strengthening rural and community development funding.
Showing support for locally delivered community programmes.
Engaging with LDC representatives on Budget priorities.
Senator Pauline Tully & Minister Dara Calleary
Cross-party engagement highlighting national support for SICAP and LEADER programmes.
Supporting the call for increased community investment.
Gallery Highlights:
CCLD representatives alongside national policymakers at the LDCN backdrop
Engagement moments with Ministers, TDs and Senators supporting local development
Group photo showcasing collective national commitment across Local Development Companies
Visual promotion of key programmes such as SICAP and LEADER
The presence of national and local politicians reinforced a consistent message:
Investment in community development is essential to delivering national policy objectives at local level.
Key voices in Irish politics have repeatedly recognised the role of Local Development Companies in implementing Government programmes. The Government has emphasised that these organisations are “hugely important in the delivery and implementation of programmes right across Government,” particularly through flagship initiatives such as SICAP and LEADER.
Among priorities highlighted in the 2026 policy landscape were:
Increased funding for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)
Long-term sustainability of the LEADER rural development programme
Continued investment in community services, social enterprise and rural regeneration
These priorities align closely with CCLD’s on-the-ground work across County Cavan, supporting individuals, families, and enterprises to thrive.
SICAP and Local Development – Delivering Real Impact
At the core of the pre‑budget submission is the case for strengthening programmes such as SICAP, Ireland’s primary social inclusion initiative. SICAP supports disadvantaged individuals and communities through targeted, locally delivered interventions addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
The programme is delivered through Local Development Companies like Cavan County Local Development, ensuring that national funding translates into practical, community-led action on the ground.
With Government investment of €74 million allocated to SICAP and associated supports in Budget 2026, there is clear recognition of its importance in addressing pressing societal challenges.
However, the LDCN submission emphasised the need to go further—calling for additional increases and multiannual certainty to restore and enhance the programme’s impact.
“Invest in the Ambition” – A Vision for Stronger Communities
The LDCN submission presented at the event calls for ambitious and sustained investment to meet Ireland’s evolving social and economic challenges.
Key recommendations include:
Strengthening supports to address poverty and social exclusion
Increasing SICAP funding to meet growing demands
Embedding long-term funding for integration and inclusion initiatives
Expanding rural development supports through LEADER
The overarching message is clear:
community-led organisations are central to building resilience in uncertain times,
delivering solutions that are tailored, effective, and trusted at local level.
Cavan’s Role in Shaping the Future
Through its participation in this national platform, Cavan County Local Development reinforced its commitment to:
Advocating for the needs of communities across County Cavan
Influencing national policy and funding decisions
Ensuring continued delivery of high-impact programmes locally
The engagement with political representatives at the event further strengthens relationships that are critical to securing future investment and advancing the interests of local communities.
Looking Ahead
As Ireland prepares for future budget decisions, the message from Buswells is both timely and compelling:
Investing in local development is investing in people, communities, and sustainable futures.
ILDN and Cavan County Local Development remain at the forefront of that work—championing inclusion, supporting enterprise, and delivering meaningful change across the county.
Closing Note
The 2026 pre‑budget event was a powerful reminder that local development is a national priority—and that organisations like Cavan County Local Development are essential partners in delivering a fairer and more inclusive Ireland.
Cavan County Local Development would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) for their continued leadership and dedication in championing community development across Ireland. The hard work, coordination, and advocacy demonstrated in preparing and presenting the Invest in the Ambition submission reflects a deep commitment to strengthening communities and ensuring that local voices are heard at a national level.