Donegal Local Development CLG featured at the National Social Enterprise Conference 2025 in Galway.
DLDC Head of Operations Margaret Larkin, representing Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), was one of the key speakers at the event. She explained to the over 500 delegates present how Local Development Companies, through programmes such as SICAP, LEADER, Tús and RSS, play a key role in unlocking the potential of social enterprise in Ireland. Also on the panel was Richard Bruton (MC), Gerry O’Grady (LEO Centre of Excellence, Enterprise Ireland) and Steven Egan (InterTradeIreland).
Meanwhile, DLDC Community Development Manager Martin McDevitt was part of a breakout session discussing Shared Services Models and their collaboration in practice.
Opening this year’s conference, Minister Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, said: “The work social enterprises deliver throughout Ireland is important to so many communities. They are tangibly helping to address many of the key social issues affecting society while providing employment, opportunities and making a positive impact in people’s lives. I have witnessed the tremendous contribution and impact social enterprises are making in our communities. I firmly believe this sector can have an even more significant role in our society, economy and environment and look forward to supporting them to do so.”
He added, “Where we go from here depends on how effectively we can collectively deliver on Trading for Impact’s ambitious vision for the future. We must be innovative and inclusive, but also practical and effective. Partnership is key to the realisation of our collective ambition for the social enterprise sector. My department will continue to actively engage across government, local authorities and state agencies to make sure social enterprise is kept to the forefront with regard to policies and programmes, social procurement or access to services.”
The annual conference hosted by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht is an opportunity for social enterprises and the organisations that support them to consider insights on the sector, to share best practice, and to network with their peers.
The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Trading for Impact’.