Monaghan Integrated Development is the Local Development Company for county Monaghan a member of the Irish Local Development Network representing the 35 Local Development Companies (LDCs) that implement the LEADER programme across the Country, have welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Social Protection, Rural & Community Affairs Heather Humphreys TD, of the arrangements for a transitional LEADER programme for 2021.

ILDN members had expressed concern recently at the lack of clarity in terms of the Government plans for LEADER ahead of the expiry of the current programme at the end of December 2020. Today’s announcement provides welcome clarity for rural areas, Local Development Companies and their staff. Commenting on the announcement, Monaghan Integrated Development CEO, Gabriel O’Connell said; “LEADER is a vitally important programme for locally-led rural development and it is crucial that it is properly resourced. The provision of funding for new projects in Communities for 2021 is indeed very welcome particularly against the backdrop of Brexit and the COVID-19 recovery. The announcement by Minister Humphreys this week allows our LDC members to drive the COVID-19 recovery in their Communities with emphasis on projects in new areas under the themes energy, climate agenda, digital transformation, building capacity of communities.”

Monaghan Integrated Development CEO, Gabriel O’Connell continued; “the measures confirmed in recent days by the Minister are timely and encouraging for community-led development in County Monaghan. The changes to the grant rate for enterprise and commercial projects from 50% to 75% is encouraging as is the confirmation of a new call for proposals under the LEADER Food initiative which will support funding for artisan, micro and small food producers. Finally the flexibilities in terms of concluding the current programme and the provision for administration and animation are all to be welcomed.”

Monaghan Integrated Development and the ILDN believe that the LEADER programme is of utmost importance to the future development of rural communities and are keen to work with the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Department of Agriculture Food & Marine in the development of the next LEADER Programme 2023-2027 and the fulfilment of the Programme for Government commitments in terms of supporting a LEADER Programme which addresses important needs of rural communities and enterprises in counties like Monaghan.

ENDS

Jobs Club Programme - Online Training

The Jobs Club are currently running online for 4 mornings from 10am-11.30am.  A good internet connection and access to either a computer, laptop, smart phone or tablet are required to avail of this programme.

Jobs Club includes:

• CV Preparation
• Cover Letter Writing
• Interview Techniques
• Mock Interview

To find out more please contact Linda Bolger on 086-8105058 or email to

Jobs Club is free of charge and will not affect your benefits.

Monaghan Integrated Development have created a visual map of supports and resources available across Co. Monaghan during the Covid-19 restrictions.

The map is not exhaustive and if your community group or organisation would like to be displayed please contact MID at  or 087-7189396.

For any queries relating to Covid-19 or accessing services please contact the Monaghan Community Call Helpline on 1800 804158.

• Keep looking for work, there are still companies hiring
• Part-time work can lead to full-time work
• Remote working and social media are great skills to learn during this period
• There are great online course available in all employment sectors
• You can still network with people and employers, use social media & use your contacts, let people know you are available for work
• If you’re in a position volunteering is a great way to support your community, adding skills and experience to your CV and connecting you with people.