Local Development Partnership Companies

What is Local Development?

Local Development promotes area or community based integrated, “bottom-up” approaches to address long- term unemployment and economic and social issues. This means working with local communities to develop local solutions to local issues. It recognises that to promote growth and quality of life that economic, social and cultural issues must be addressed.

Community Development is a process that seeks to build strong, sustainable communities by bringing people and groups together for the good of the wider community and society. Community Development work seeks to remove barriers that prevent people from taking part in decisions that affect their lives.

Local Development Partnership companies are governed by a voluntary boards comprising of:

  • 35% community / voluntary representatives
  • 26% statutory representatives
  • 22% social partner representatives
  • 17% local authority representatives

These companies are Not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee. Each delivers a range of rural, social and economic programmes at local level across the county. Supports include capital grant aid, technical assistance, guidance and mentoring, information and support, training opportunities and development initiatives.

To see the wide range of services available please contact the individual companies or visit their websites.

There are three Local Development Partnership Companies in Co Kerry:

IRD Duhallow Ltd covers the Rathmore/Gneeveguilla area.

South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP Ltd) covers area including mid Kerry, south Kerry and Killarney.

North East West Kerry Development (NEWKD Ltd) covers the north Kerry area including Tralee, Castleisland, Dingle and Listowel.