Community boost with new training initiatives
A training programme with the aim of strengthening local development in communities around Sligo was launched on Friday last.
Innovating Communities is an initiative which aims to encourage rural populations to open their minds to new ideas and ways of working.
It is intended that the project will operate through a Design Thinking type process which will put people at the heart of decision making and idea generation.
It’s expected that a total of 102 training courses with up to 900 participants will be delivered across six regions over two and a half years.
Two LEADER Labs will be developed as part of the project in each area and will become focal project delivery spaces.
The project is funded through Sligo LEADER, under the LEADER Cooperation element of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
It is the first of its kind in the border region.
The launch of the Sligo project took place online last Friday, with Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chairperson of the Sligo Local Community Development Committee Dara Mulvey describing it as a ‘great initiative’.
“In my role as Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of the LCDC I get to see first-hand the good work that is being continuously done by volunteers and organisations across the county,” Cllr Mulvey told the attendance.
“I also get to see the help and support that Community Groups and organisations receive through organisations like Sligo LEADER.
“This is a real necessity and the last year has challenged us all in how we can support groups and individuals in new ways.
“Sligo is a county blessed with a beautiful landscape and natural amenities. Wouldn’t it be great to see some of our local groups with similar interests coming together to take part in this programme with a view to helping each other achieve your goals.”
The launch was also addressed by Fintan Kennedy, chairperson of Sligo LEADER Partnership. who said he could only see benefits for Sligo through the project, as it involves ‘different groups coming together’ with a ‘shared vision’.
“We all know it’s [Sligo] the best place in the world to live,” he continued, “and if we can leverage the unique capital that we have here, our communities, this is going to be a unique way for us to scaffold these communities to put them in the best place to thrive and excel for Sligo.” The launch was also addressed by Des Bernie of Icecream Architecture, who will be involved in leading the training and engagement. Collette McEntee of Innovating Communities, Minister of State Frank Feighan and Sligo LEADER’s June Murphy. MC was Sligo LEADER CEO, John Feerick.