Partnership Companies

The Partnership Companies are independent not-for-profit companies (limited by guarantee) which receive core funding from the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, through Pobal, under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme, a sub-measure of the National Development Plan.

The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) is implemented at local level by 38 Area-based Partnerships, (and also 31 Community Partnerships and two Employment Pacts). These not-for-profit companies were set up in the areas of greatest need in the country, to provide an area-based response to long-term unemployment and to promote social inclusion.

Partnerships are located in both urban and rural areas. Seventeen Partnerships work across rural areas, four of which operate in the Midland region. These are: Oak Partnership Ltd., Longford Community Resources Ltd., Westmeath Community Development Ltd. and West Offaly Partnership.

During 2006-2007 a process of expansion and cohesion is under way to achieve full national coverage, though the Partnerships will continue to focus on the areas of greatest need.

The Board of Directors of each Partnership brings together the four sectors involved:

Statutory sector, i.e. Government departments and state agencies/organisations;
Social Partners, i.e. trade unions, employers, and, in rural areas, farming organisations;
Community and voluntary sector;
Elected public representatives (generally from local authorities).

Partnership Companies

Longford Community Resources Ltd

OAK Partnership Ltd

West Offaly Partnership

Westmeath Community Development Ltd