Supporting Rural Development

We believe that rural communities (and our towns and villages) are the engine for Offaly’s progress, recognising that our natural assets and citizens are the key drivers in this progress. In order for the potential of rural areas to be delivered for local communities; local projects and interventions need to be carried out that are based on community needs and focus on realising the significant potential within rural communities, the rural economy and the rural environment.

LEADER Programme 2023 – 2027
LEADER is a community-led approach to local development funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. The 2023-22027 LEADER Programme can fund the following enterprise types; Green Economy, Agricultural Diversification, Rural Tourism & Recreation, Innovative Enterprise Development, Rural Food Production and Social, Community & Cooperative Enterprises Managed in Offaly by OLDC, LEADER invests in local projects, community-owned development, rural enterprise, and environmental sustainability across Offaly.
Creative Connections
At the heart of Kilcormac, the Fiesta Ballroom has evolved into a dynamic centre for creativity, sustainability, and community development. Home to Connecting Creativity, the Fiesta Ballroom brings together the creative and artisan food producers to explore new ways of working that are environmentally responsible, socially connected, and rooted in local identity.
Outdoor Recreation
In Offaly Local Development we seek to support communities develop their natural infrastructure that will allow leisure activities to take place in a setting that will ultimately benefit the body, mind and/or spirit. With our rich stock of natural resources, natural environment and biodiversity are connected with Offaly's citizens, culture and identity. Our county’s landscapes are synonymous with bogs, wetlands, eskers and canals.
Just Transition Academy
The TUS Just Transition Academy is a major EU-funded initiative enabling communities in Offaly to address the impacts of the closure of peat production. This project expands opportunities and implements new training and skills programmes for those least likely to engage in traditional education, using a Communiversity model to bring the university directly into the community.
Festivals in Offaly
Festivals are vital community initiatives supported by Offaly Local Development Company’s Working in Partnership mission. These events—which range from arts and culture to heritage and recreation—celebrate Offaly’s traditions, strengthen social bonds, and contribute to the Future Proofing Offaly commitment to building resilient and sustainable communities.