Local Development Companies Network Launches Pre-Budget Submission 2026: “Building Local Resilience in Uncertain Times”
- Tinko Tinev
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
PRESS RELEASE
Dublin, [14th May 2025] – The Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), representing Ireland’s Local Development Companies, today launched its Pre-Budget Submission 2026 titled “Building Local Resilience in Uncertain Times.” The submission outlines a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen communities, address deepening inequality, and build social and economic resilience across Ireland.
The document, launched ahead of Budget 2026 negotiations, urges the Government to uphold and deliver on commitments made in the Programme for Government—especially those aimed at fostering inclusion, combating poverty, and investing in locally driven solutions to national challenges.
“Budget 2026 must not retreat from ambition,” said Thomas Fitzpatrick, Chairperson of the LDCN. “At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and growing inequality, the Government must invest in local resilience—because resilient communities are the foundation of a resilient country.”
Key recommendations include:
· A 12% (€5.9m) increase in funding for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which is Ireland's flagship social inclusion programme
· Retention and multi-annual commitment of the €10m “New Arrivals” SICAP funding to support migrant integration.
· A €15m annual programme to support Ireland’s local and artisan food producers through the LEADER framework.
· €900k to pilot and expand the Community Climate Coaches initiative, embedding climate action within community development.
· Increased investment in social enterprise supports, including a €3m flexible grants programme and a €1m EU co-financing match fund.
· A €12m commitment to raise top-up payments for participants in CE, Tús, and the Rural Social Scheme.
The submission also calls on the Government to act swiftly at EU level to secure the future of the LEADER rural development programme in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, and to improve access to support schemes for young people, the long-term unemployed, and people with disabilities.
LDCN argues that these measures are not just socially necessary—they are economically prudent. With rising living costs and uneven access to opportunity, community-led initiatives offer a proven, cost-effective pathway to empowerment, inclusion, and long-term sustainability.
About the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN): LDCN is the national representative body for Local Development Companies operating across urban, rural, and island communities in Ireland. LDCs deliver a wide range of national and EU-funded programmes in areas such as social inclusion, rural development, employment activation, and climate resilience.
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