What Clare Local Development Company does

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation headquartered in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, that administers multiple Irish state-funded and EU-funded programmes supporting community development, social inclusion, employment activation, rural enterprise, energy transition, and early-years childcare. Founded in 2004 (implementing the Rural Social Scheme since inception; Tús since 2011), CLDC operates ~15 distinct programmes under one organisational structure, including SICAP and LEADER (Department of Rural and Community Development), Tús / RSS / LAES (Department of Social Protection via Intreo), Sustainable Energy Communities (SEAI), Traveller Primary Healthcare Project (HSE), Roma Inclusion (DCEDIY), School Completion (Tusla), and Cairde Beag community childcare (a wholly-owned operating subsidiary). The organisation employs 51–100 staff across a HQ and four regional outreach locations (Scariff, Ennistymon, Kilrush, Shannon), with named Tús Supervisors covering discrete geographic patches countywide.

CLDC's core "products" are programme delivery rather than technology: personalised employment casework (548 LAES clients currently, 700+ across the programme), work placements for the long-term unemployed (Tús, RSS across 190+ sponsor groups), LEADER capital grants to community groups and enterprises (€9.6M+ cumulative tracked investment), Energy Master Plans and SEAI application assistance across 50+ communities, peer-led Traveller and Roma health and inclusion support, rural recreation management, and the Cairde Beag childcare centre in Kilrush. No proprietary technology stack, software platform, or AI/ML capability is disclosed — the operating model is human-intensive field-based service delivery.

The business model is grant-funded rather than commercial: CLDC receives core operational funding from Irish government departments, SEAI, HSE, DCEDIY, Tusla, and the EU/European Social Fund, and administers pass-through capital to community groups and enterprises under LEADER, LEP, and SICAP grant schemes. In 2025, CLDC oversaw more than €7.3 million in programme investment across the county. Most services are free at point of delivery; the sole fee-generating revenue stream is Cairde Beag childcare. Customer segments are highly diversified across community groups, long-term unemployed individuals, Traveller and Roma communities, low-income farming/fishing families, social enterprises, and energy communities — but funder concentration on a small number of state departments is high.

Name

Clare Local Development Company

Legal name

Clare Local Development Company

Website

https://cldc.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Clare Local Development Company is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation in County Clare, Ireland, administering SICAP, LEADER, Tús, RSS, LAES, and other state-funded programmes across employment, social inclusion, rural enterprise, energy communities, and childcare for communities, individuals, and marginalised groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Civic and Social Organizations (81341)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE), International & Local Implementing NGOs (HLAJAKAD), Infrastructure, Housing & Community Development (BPAGABAL)

Keywords

• Community development
• Social inclusion
• Rural development
• Employment services
• Community support

Headquarters

HQ city

Ennis

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Programme Funding: CLDC receives funding from multiple government departments and EU programmes to deliver community development services. Key funders include the Department of Rural and Community Development (SICAP, LEADER), the Department of Social Protection (Tús, Rural Social Scheme, LAES), SEAI (Sustainable Energy Communities), and the HSE (Traveller Primary Healthcare). These are not revenue in the commercial sense but rather grant-based programme funding that sustains the organisation's operations.
2. Community Services (Free at Point of Delivery): CLDC delivers services such as childcare (Cairde Beag), employment support, community training, and energy advice free or subsidised to beneficiaries. Cairde Beag charges fees for childcare services, generating modest revenue. Most services are funded through grants and are free to end users.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation that delivers a portfolio of integrated programmes across County Clare, including employment support (Tús, LAES, Rural Social Scheme), social inclusion for marginalised groups (Traveller CDP, Roma Inclusion), rural development funding administration (LEADER, SICAP), sustainable energy communities, early childhood care (Cairde Beag), and community capacity-building training. Most services are funded through government and EU grants and delivered free at point of use to individuals, families, community groups, social enterprises, and local businesses.

Product overview

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation offering a diverse portfolio of programmes and services focused on community development, social inclusion, and sustainability across County Clare. Rather than a unified software platform, CLDC operates as an integrated service organisation delivering multiple distinct programmes including employment services (Tús, LAES, Rural Social Scheme), environmental initiatives (SEC Programme, Just Transition), childcare (Cairde Beag), community development (Traveller CDP, Roma Inclusion Project), and training (Connecting Clare Communities). These programmes work together under a unified mission to help people improve their lives and build better futures for their communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tús

Quantifiable outcome

• €7.3 million in programme investment across County Clare in 2025, supporting rural tourism, enterprise, community facilities, training, employment and social inclusion
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Clare Sports PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026Clare Sports Partnership collaborated with CLDC's Roma Inclusion Project at the National Traveller and Roma Men's Health Day in Dublin, contributing to a diverse Clare team in the football tournament and supporting health awareness activities.
• Mid-West Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum (MWRDAF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026MWRDAF organised a networking event in Limerick showcasing drug and alcohol awareness resources co-produced with regional Traveller Primary Healthcare Projects. Doirin Graham (CLDC CEO) and Bríd Brady (PHCP Coordinator) attended alongside service providers from across the Mid-West.
• Clare Local Authority Integration TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2025CLDC collaborates with the Clare Local Authority Integration Team on integration initiatives, including co-hosting events for World Refugee Week such as the innovative presentation at Edna O'Brien Library in Scarriff in June 2025.
• Cuimhneamh an ChláircoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2025Cuimhneamh an Chláir collaborates with CLDC and the Clare Local Authority Integration Team on events for World Refugee Week, contributing to cultural and integration programming in County Clare.
• Clare Public Participation NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Clare Traveller CDP is a collaborative project led by CLDC, Clare Public Participation Network, Clare Women's Network, and the HSE Mid-West Traveller Health Unit, working to improve living conditions and opportunities for Travellers in Clare.
• Clare Women's NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClare Women's Network is a lead partner in the Clare Traveller Community Development Project alongside CLDC, PPN, and HSE Mid-West Traveller Health Unit.
• HSE Mid-West Traveller Health UnitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe HSE Mid-West Traveller Health Unit co-leads the Clare Traveller CDP and funds the Traveller Primary Healthcare Project, playing a central role in addressing Traveller health inequalities in County Clare.
• Pavee PointcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre carried out the 2019 Traveller Health Needs Assessment for Clare that directly led to the funding of Clare Traveller CDP as a pilot project. Pavee Point also organises National Traveller and Roma Men's Health Day, at which CLDC's Roma Inclusion Project and PHCP are represented.
• Nature Network IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLDC partners with Nature Network Ireland to deliver the Citizen Science Biodiversity Training Series, teaching community members to identify invasive species, native habitats, and freshwater ecosystems, with data uploaded to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
• Ballyhoura Development CLG (SEAI SEC Programme Coordinator)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBallyhoura Development CLG coordinates the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Programme in the Mid and South West of Ireland, partnering with key organisations in Co. Clare, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, and Limerick, supported by SEAI.
• SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLDC works with SEAI to deliver the Sustainable Energy Communities programme in Clare, helping communities develop Energy Master Plans and access funding for solar, heat pumps, retrofits, and other energy efficiency projects. SEAI provides 100% funding for Energy Master Plan consultants.
• Department of Social Protection / IntreocoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCLDC administers Tús, RSS, and LAES on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. DSP and Intreo refer clients to CLDC's employment services and jointly deliver services through local Intreo offices.
• Ennis Environmental Action Group (EEAG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEEAG and CLDC jointly ran a campaign to raise awareness of the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme in Ennis, using local media and information stands to help low-income households apply. The campaign led to a significant increase in applications (234 between October 2025 and January 2026 vs. average of 91).
• Clare Outdoor Recreation Committee (Clare Sports Partnership, Clare County Council, Coillte, NPWS, etc.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLDC is a member of the Clare Outdoor Recreation Committee alongside Clare Sports Partnership, Clare County Council, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, farming organisations, outdoor clubs, tourism bodies, and volunteers. The Committee developed Clare's first Outdoor Recreation Plan launched in July 2026.
• Levie ConsultingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLevie Consulting partners with CLDC to deliver the Connecting Clare Communities training and mentoring programme, providing workshops on governance, volunteer management, digital skills, and other topics for community groups across Clare, funded through the LEADER Programme.
• Clare Volunteer CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClare Volunteer Centre co-hosts events and workshops with CLDC and Clare PPN as part of the Connecting Clare Communities programme, supporting volunteers, community leaders, and charity trustees across County Clare.
• Clare Public Participation Network (PPN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClare PPN partners with CLDC and Clare Volunteer Centre in the Connecting Clare Communities initiative, bringing together volunteers, trustees, and community leaders for networking and capacity-building events.
• Intreo (Department of Social Protection) and Paul PartnershipcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCLDC's Local Area Employment Services programme is delivered in partnership with Intreo (DSP) and Paul Partnership, providing employment support services to people on Jobseekers Allowance across County Clare.
• glór (Ennis)minorStrategic or Co-development Partnerglór in Ennis hosted the Traveller Pride 2026 celebration organised by Clare Traveller CDP and CLDC, providing a venue for cultural events celebrating Traveller music, storytelling, and community.
• De Valera Library (Ennis)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Valera Library in Ennis hosted the 'Lost Voices' exhibition by CLDC's Roma Inclusion Project for International Roma Day, providing space for artwork by local Roma community members.
• SEAI (Warmer Homes Scheme)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLDC supports applicants to access the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme — a fully funded home energy upgrade programme for households on qualifying social welfare payments. CLDC provides hands-on application assistance, particularly for those facing digital barriers.
• Hazel Mountain ChocolateminorOthersHazel Mountain Chocolate is a local business in Clare that has received LEADER funding support through CLDC, representing one of the individual enterprise beneficiaries of the rural development programme.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ballyhoura Development CLG: Multi-county Local Development Company covering parts of Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Kerry. Directly comparable to CLDC as it delivers SICAP, LEADER, RSS, Tús, Sustainable Energy Communities, and social inclusion programmes with similar funding architecture and governance model.
• Paul Partnership Limerick: Local development and employment services company operating in Limerick, delivering LAES in partnership with CLDC and DSP. Closely comparable mission around employment, social inclusion, and community capacity building.
• Kerry Local Development Company: County-wide Local Development Company delivering SICAP, LEADER, RSS, Tús, and community development services in Kerry. Closely comparable programme mix, governance, and funder base.
• Cork Local Development Company: Larger-scale Local Development Company delivering SICAP, LEADER, employment, and community development services across Cork city and county. Direct functional peer with overlapping programme mix and similar community-led operating model.
• Galway Rural Development Company: County-wide Local Development Company serving Galway. Operates the same SICAP, LEADER, RSS, and Tús programme suite with similar scope to CLDC across County Clare, including rural community and enterprise supports.
• Limerick Local Development Company: County-level Local Development Company serving Limerick city and county. Directly comparable — administers SICAP, LEADER, Tús, RSS, and employment services on the same government programme framework as CLDC.
• Westmeath Community Development: County-level Local Development Company delivering SICAP, LEADER, and community development programmes in the Midlands. Comparable community-led non-profit model with similar programme breadth and funder base.
• Tipperary Local Development Company: County-wide Local Development Company delivering the same SICAP, LEADER, RSS, and Tús programme suite as CLDC across Tipperary. Closely matched structure, staffing model, and funder relationships.

Emerging players

• Irish Rural Link: National rural development and social inclusion network representing rural communities. Comparable in mission around rural community empowerment and LEADER programme advocacy, though operating as an umbrella representative rather than a service deliverer like CLDC.

Broad incumbents

• Pobal: National agency administering and overseeing government and EU social inclusion programmes (including SICAP) on behalf of the Irish government. A broader incumbent that sits above CLDC in the funding chain and shapes the regulatory environment for Local Development Companies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ClareLocalDevelopmentCompany
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clare-local-development-company

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Clare Local Development Company