Purpose of the LCDC

• Have primary responsibility for co-ordinating, planning and overseeing local, community and rural development funding.
• Bring a more joined up approach to the implementation of local and community development programmes and interventions.
• Drive meaningful citizen and community engagement in local and community development programmes.
• Pursue a more cost-efficient administration of local and community development programmes and delivery structures, the matching of resources to priorities and better value for money.
• Focus on learning and feedback, enhancing the links between service delivery and policy development. Pursue opportunities for additional funding for the area.

Functions of the LCDC

• To prepare, adopt, implement, monitor and review the community elements of the Local Economic & Community Plan.
• To consider and adopt a statement in respect of the economic elements of the Local Economic & Community Plan.
• To improve the co-ordination of publicly funded programmes including the Local Community Development Programme, Rural Development Programme and Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme and reduce duplication.
• To prepare an annual report on the performance of its duties.

Waterford LCDC Membership

• Waterford LCDC is based on a 19-member committee, in line with national directives. (Current PPN membership of Waterford LCDC is outlined below)
• Nine members are statutory, and ten members are non-statutory representatives.
• The nine statutory representatives are drawn from elected members, statutory agencies and WCC officials.
• The ten non-statutory representatives are drawn from community and voluntary, social inclusion, environmental, community development, farming, and employer interests.
• One of the ten non-statutory representative places is ring-fenced for Waterford LEADER Partnership, in line with national guidelines.
• Five of the non-statutory representatives are nominated through the PPN- community development (2), social inclusion (2) and environment (1).
• Gender balance is an important consideration and is strictly monitored by the Department and funders.

Role of PPN representatives on LCDCs

• There is a significant amount of background reading material to prepare for meetings.
• Work as a team with the other PPN reps, there are 5 on the LCDC – Community & Voluntary, 2 x Social Inclusion & 1 x Environment) NB: See important criteria CRITERIA. in regards to the Environment position.
• Reflect views/policies as agreed by the pillar.
• Report back to the PPN on developments/issues and to the PPN Secretariat.
• Nominees are required to represent the PPN as a whole on the LCDC. Accordingly, they are accountable to the PPN membership and do no represent their own body or interests on the LCDC.

When do they meet 

• Waterford LCDC meets approx. 10 times per year, with meetings scheduled in advance.
• They are held on the second Thursday morning of each month from 10am online and last for a max of 90 minutes.
• The Local Action Group meet first (LAG). The LAG is a sub-group of the LCDC who plan and oversee the community-led development projects) followed by the full LCDC meeting.
• Sub-Groups are established to work on key areas of work identified by the LCDC.

Useful Information

• You Tube – Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) Guidelines Introductory

• Minutes & Agendas of past WLCDC meetings

• WLCDC Annual Report 2023

• Local Action Group

LCDC PPN Reps