Western Development Commission

Name / Title

Western Development Commission
 

Case Study Region

BMW, West of Ireland – Roscommon

Geographical coverage

Regional, covering counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare.

Type

Government; funding scheme; policy; research; project

Main activity / focus

Policy/Advisory – promotion of economic and social development in the west region.

Target beneficiaries / market

Population of the west region

Year established

Late 1990s

Current Funding source(s)

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Participants

Members of the WDC Advisory Board; members of the public availing of advisory services and the WDC Investment Fund for SMEs.

Website

http://www.wdc.ie

Description

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body promoting economic and social development in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare. It now works under the remit of the Department of The Environment, Community and Local Government (previously under the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs). The WDC is involved in policy analysis and development, the promotion of regional initiatives and the operation of the WDC Investment Fund (€28 m), provided via the NDP. This dedicated fund addresses a funding gap experienced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises in the region through the provision of risk capital, equity and loans on a commercial basis. It places strong emphasis on the rural dimensions of the region, particularly diversification of the rural economy.

The WDC is active in providing policy analysis and submissions to government which represent the needs of the region across a range of social and economic issues. Among the policy issues it has sought to raise are those relating to renewable energy, transport, tourism, the creative economy. The WDC comprises of 12 members appointed by the Minister for CRGA who represent community, local government, local enterprise, and education, and is supported by a management committee. One of their more recent targets has been the attraction of skills and jobs to the region through a nationwide media campaign called ‘Look West’ and aimed primarily at the Dublin area. Another major initiative has been a flagship integrated tourism product.
 

Contact details

info@wdc.ie
Dillon House
Ballaghaderreen
County Roscommon