Inishowen communities are being encouraged to take part in a packed programme of events and activities as Local Development Week 2026 gets underway next week from 28 September to 2 October.
Led nationally by the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), the week celebrates the role of local development in supporting people, strengthening communities, creating opportunities and delivering positive change across Ireland.
Throughout the week, Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) will host and support a range of events showcasing the breadth of work taking place across Inishowen and the impact it is having on communities throughout the peninsula.
The local programme includes events supporting employment, health and wellbeing, community development, climate action and lifelong learning.
Shauna McClenaghan, Joint CEO of IDP said highlights include an Employment Support Workshop in Carndonagh, a Regenerative Agriculture Course held in collaboration with Donegal ETB in Buncrana and a funding workshop to help community organisations with grant applications.
Several health and wellbeing programmes, including Care4Carers Exploring Me , FaME falls prevention and Healthy Food Made Easy cookery programmes, will also take place during the week.
This year’s theme, “Local Action, Lasting Impact,” reflects the power of community-led initiatives to improve lives, strengthen local economies and build resilient, inclusive communities. Throughout the week, IDP will be highlighting examples of how local action is creating lasting benefits for individuals, families, businesses and communities across Inishowen.
Andrew Ward, Joint CEO, said Local Development Week is a great opportunity to showcase the work ongoing throughout Inishowen and an opportunity to reach more people.
“Local Development Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible work taking place in communities across Inishowen and the positive difference that local action makes to people’s lives every day.
“Through our programme of events, we hope to showcase the wide range of supports, opportunities and initiatives available across the region, while also recognising the dedication of community groups, volunteers, social enterprises, partners and residents who help make this work possible.
The week-long celebration will conclude with the Local Development Companies Network National Conference on 1 and 2 October.
This event brings together community leaders, practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders from across Ireland to discuss the future of local development and share examples of innovative, community-led approaches.
“We are particularly excited to participate in the LDCN National Conference at the end of the week,” added Andrew.
“This is where local development companies from across the country will come together to share learning, celebrate achievements and explore how community-led approaches can continue to strengthen places and improve lives.”
For full details of all Local Development Week 2026 events in Inishowen see: https://inishowen.ie/support/local-development-week/
