Longford Community Resources Limited

About Us

Longford Community Resources Ltd was established in 1995, a company limited by guarantee.   In County Longford this provided the first major opportunity for the community, voluntary and state sectors to work together to identify and plan a coordinated response to the challenges facing the county.  In 1996 LCRL became a cohised company and has continued to work via this model of partnership.  One of its main roles is to support integrated local social and economic development through the management of programmes that promote social inclusion and equality.  Currently we manage and administer the following programmes: 

• Rural Development Programme (Leader)
• Local Community Development Programme
• Rural Social Scheme
• Rural Transport Programme
• Services to Older People funded under Dormant Accounts
• Traveller Primary Healthcare Project
• Volunteer Centre
• Youth Service
   
   

Main Objectives

The purpose of our company is to promote positive change in the areas of social, economic, environmental, community and cultural development throughout County Longford by empowering the communities and special issue groups to promote the development of their own areas.  We, at Longford Community Resources Ltd, aim to respond to the social and economic decline encountered by disadvantaged groups, individuals, community and issue groups throughout the County working through a partnership and community development approach.  In this regard we have identified key socio-economic issues within Co. Longford.

Issues identified:

• Unacceptable levels of poverty and the difficulties emerging from it;
• The general levels of unemployment in the County and related issues;
• Low levels of female participation in the labour market;
• Educational issues: low levels of educational attainment, a need for part time and further education and high levels of early school leaving;
• Non-participation of members of disadvantaged groups and individuals;
• A decline in the agricultural sector and the number of underemployed farmers and farmers leaving the sector;
• Lack of rural transport and high levels of isolation being experienced;
• Lack of infrastructure and services for the youth;
• Lack of tourism development;
• A need for greater cooperation and coordination between agencies and organisations.

In this context, some of the groups supported since our inception include rural and urban community groups and issue groups - including older persons, long-term unemployed, support to existing and potential early school leavers, low income smallholders, disadvantaged women, refugees and asylum seekers, Traveller communities, people with disabilities and lone parents and we also support private individuals.

Vision

A County Longford that is socially caring, economically vibrant and celebrates diversity. A place where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential.  A society where people have the capacity to exercise their right to be involved in the shaping of a community that is a joy to live in.

Mission

Building on our strong foundations, to continue to work in partnership with other organisations and groups identifying social and economic need in County Longford, and through community development, empowering individuals and communities to improve their quality of life in a way that is self-sustaining.

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