South Kerry Development Partnership is a member of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), and yesterday LDCN launched their Pre-Budget Submission for 2027 in Dublin.
The message to Government was clear: Budget 2027 must match ambition with investment.
Local Development Companies work in every part of Ireland, rural, urban and island communities, supporting people, community groups and social enterprises to tackle poverty, disadvantage, isolation and barriers to opportunity. The submission sets out practical, targeted investment asks to strengthen this work locally and nationally.
LDCN are calling for:
✅ €6.1m increase for SICAP to support work tackling poverty and disadvantage
✅ €10m secured annually for integration supports for new arrivals
✅ €10.2m additional funding for LEADER to support rural enterprise and community projects
✅ €12m investment in Tús/RSS to sustain essential local services
✅ €500k to expand Rural Recreation Officers, supporting tourism, trails and local amenities
They also recommend basing wider Sláintecare Healthy Communities rollout on a strengthened implementation and funding model.
These are focused, deliverable investments that will help communities thrive.
LDCN are asking elected representatives and Government to support this submission and to back the local development work that makes a real difference every day in communities across Ireland.
Read the submission: https://ldcn.ie/media-press-release/local-development-companies-network-pre-budget-submission-2027/