SOUTH WEST MAYO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD The Mayo News 1 South West Mayo Development Company Limited SOUTH WEST MAYO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD 2 The Mayo News South West Mayo Development Company Limited - fiche bliain ag fás CHAIRMAN across Ireland, of which 36 are FUTURE OF SWMDC MICHAEL HUGHES rural-based. SWMDC has evolved over the past 20 years to meet the chang- EVOLUTION OF SWMDC ing needs of the people of south IT seems a long time since SINCE 1991, SWMDC has proven and west Mayo. We hope to play December 10, 1991, when South itself with the delivery of three an equally important role in the West Mayo Development Limited hugely successful LEADER pro- future, staying true to our prin- (SWMDC) was incorporated. grammes. We manage one of the ciples of local, responsible deci- The company began trading on largest Rural Social Schemes in sion-making, equality and fair- January 1, 1992 and we are now Ireland and have been awarded ness. It is more important now delighted to be celebrating twenty contracts to deliver more pro- than ever that European and State years in existence. grammes, including Community resources, which are entrusted Employment and new pilot ini- to this company for local and ORIGINS OF SWMDC tiatives such as the Tús initiative rural development, employment, A question that often comes up and Equality for Women Measure communities and social cohe- is; ‘How did SWMDC come into for example. We are very grate- sion, are used in the most open, being?’. Back in 1991, the Euro- ful to our funding partners for visible and targeted way. pean Union decided to roll out their confi dence in SWMDCs a new and exciting rural devel- ability to deliver supports into A WORD OF THANKS opment programme across the heart of south and west I want to use this opportunity to Europe, known as LEADER. Mayo. pay tribute to all the board mem- In Ireland, seventeen groups SWMDC has now developed bers, past and present, who have were specifi cally set up to deliver into the main Local Development served this company so well. In the LEADER I programme, among Company for south and west particular, I would like to thank them South West Mayo Develop- Mayo. Our mission “To sustain proper use of these resources”, and is governed by an inde- tees are also in place to oversee my predecessors who served as ment Company. The fi rst Com- and develop the People, Com- guides us in everything we do as pendently elected Board of certain programmes. Chair of the Company: Michael pany Chairman was Michael munities, Resources and the a company. Directors, with representatives Gerry O’Neill, CEO together Moran, Westport; Christy Loftus, Moran, who presided over a Board Environment of the South and from four main sectors: Com- with a core staff of 38 people, Newport; Mary Alice Reilly, representing a variety of sectors West Mayo Area, and to create MANAGEMENT munity/Voluntary, Social Part- is responsible for the day-to- Newport; Jim Nally, Roundfort; across the area. We are now one and foster Employment and Eco- OF SWMDC ners, Statutory Bodies and day management of the com- and Seamus McCormack, Clare- of fi fty fi ve similar organisations nomic opportunities through the SWMDC is non-profi t making County Council. Sub-commit- pany. morris. Congratulations to all at South West Mayo Development Company NEVIN’S and best wishes for the future NEWFIELD INN Tiernaur, Mulranny Tel: 098 36959 Murrisk Development Clan Beo – A good life for Association people with disabilities living in their own community LTD John,John Anne, Anne family and staff would like • Circles of Support to take this opportunity to congratulate all at South West Mayo Development • Person Centred Planning Company Limited on their 20th • Family Networking anniversary and wish them continued • Education and Personal Development success for the future • Family Respite / Adventure Holidays Quality food • Community and Inclusion Advice and Support served daily ClanBeoWestport The ideal www.belong.ning.com party venue 086 6036900 contact John 098 36959 “Wishing SWMDC continued success in the at promotion of inclusion for people living with a disability in the place where they come from “ SOUTH WEST MAYO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD The Mayo News 3 Working for the people and communities of south and west Mayo CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER projects > GERRY O’NEILL Equality for Women Measure > CE Schemes – South and West Mayo > Local Training Initiative WHEN I came to work for South West Mayo Development Company in June 1992, I was the We strongly believe in the ‘bottom-up’/com- third employee. Since that time, we now have munity led approach to development – we sup- grown to close to 340 employees across our port communities to shape their own future eleven programmes. The variety of programmes with the best mix of supports available to means that we now have a presence in virtually them. every community in the south and west Mayo An estimated €30m has been invested in our y Gerry O’Neill, CEO South West Mayo this has not been achieved on our own. Over area. area over the past twenty years through the Development Company (SWMDC) is the years we have had great support from var- pictured with Harvey Allen, Kiltimagh; Ruth At this point, SWMDC manages the following programmes administered by the company. In McGreal, Breaffy, and Michael Hughes, ious Government Departments and State agen- programmes: that time, many enterprises have been supported, Chairman, SWMDC at SWMDC business, cies. Our close working relationships with Mayo jobs have been created. Numerous community grant and information evening in the County Council and Mayo County Development > LEADER/Rural Development Programme facilities and infrastructure have been built, Harlequin Hotel, Castlebar. Pic: Frank Dolan Board have also been essential to our success. > Local and Community Development renovated and refurbished. Less evident but as I hope readers of this supplement will get a Programme important is the impact of our social inclusion clearer idea of the work of SWMDC. More > Rural Social Scheme work that builds confi dence in those marginal- importantly, we want people and communities > Tús Initiative ised in our society. to avail of the supports we provide. Information > Rural Recreation and Walks Scheme I believe that SWMDC makes a valuable con- on all of our programmes and area map can all > Western Region Drugs Task Force funded tribution to south and west Mayo. However, be found in this supplement. Custom House Studios Limited Westport Quay, Co Mayo T: 098 28735 E: [email protected] www.customhousestudios.ie EXHIBITIONS Continues until 25th March Self-Infl icted Tedium Darren Barrett and Terence Erraught. Self-Infl icted Tedium is an exhibition that will highlight the absurd and fundamentally anachronistic practices that are often integral to the process ‘Open for Business’ of artistic creation. 29th March – 29th April Are you planning to start a new business? Imbue - Field and Converscapes Gary Robinson. Are you expanding your business? 3rd – 27th May Islands South West Mayo Development Company has grants available Pierre Bourgault / Canada. Mike for innovative businesses. Byrne / Ireland. Mels Dees / the Netherlands. David Lilburn / Ireland. Some examples of what may Eligible business Marielle van den Bergh / the Netherlands. be supported include sectors include 3rd – 27th May Emma Barone • Purchase of Equipment • Rural and Agri-Tourism Image by Terence Erraught Title: Head Fluckz 2011 Video still • Renovation/Extension of • IT Business Business Premises The Custom House Studios are now inviting submissions for use of studio space for 2012 and 2013. • Local Services Submissions due for studios by March 23rd 2012 • Marketing and Promotion • Agri-Food Please send letters of interest, CVs and documentation of work to: Manager Custom House Studios • Product Development Westport Quay Co. Mayo. Ireland. • Tailored Training Courses • Renewable Energy Courses in Printmaking. Advance Printing from April 13th / Weekend Course Relief printmaking. • Mentoring Support Saturday March 24th and Sunday 25th. To book please phone 098 28735 Congratulations to South West Mayo Development Company Limited on it’s 20th anniversary If your business is innovative and has the potential to create jobs, we want to hear from you. Please contact our Newport Offi ce on 098-41950 or [email protected] for more information. SOUTH WEST MAYO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD 4 The Mayo News SWMDC QUICKGUIDE Tús - a new beginning for WHAT IS SWMDC? Established in 1991, we have been working in community and rural development for 20 years Local, community-led, registered charity Company limited by guarantee with a board the unemployed’ representing local communities, social partners, Mayo County Council and state agencies TÚS is a new initiative launched WHAT DOES SWMDC DO? in 2011, providing short-term Manage a budget of €12million under the community work placements for LEADER/Rural Development Programme for people who are unemployed. South and West Mayo SWMDC employs 60 partici- Deliver programmes on behalf of the pantson the Tús scheme, all of Government to stimulate innovative local and whom make a huge contribution rural enterprises, and to support local to community, voluntary and communities sporting organisations in south Assist unemployed people with training, advice, and west Mayo. and support for small business start-ups Tús workers provide a variety Employ 191 people on the Rural Social Scheme of supports to a number of social and 60 people on the Tús labour activation care groups; assist with facilities programme management and development Support rural and disadvantaged communities of boxing, tennis, soccer and with training, advice and grants for local projects GAA clubs; provide administra- Administer over €200,000 of payments every tive assistance to tourism, herit- y year to rural landowners through the Walks Board members of South West Mayo Development Company.