Today (25 January 2022) Joe O’Brien TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development attended the induction day of Northside Partnership’s Place-based Leadership Development Programme in Darndale. The Programme is an investment in local leaders to help them address the challenges experienced in the area.

Place Based Leadership Development is a pilot programme launching in Darndale and Drogheda. 24 participants will undertake the programme in both areas. The participants are made up of local residents, local community groups working directly in the area and statutory organisations such as the Gardai.

“Northside Partnership wishes to thank the people in our community who have committed to Place-based Leadership Development Programme,” said Niamh McTiernan, Director of Services at Northside Partnership. “We also wish to thank the Department of Rural and Community Development for funding the programme and Minister O’Brien for joining us at and being part of our induction day.”

Northside Partnership wishes to thank the people in our community who have committed to Place-based Leadership Development Programme

Funded by Department of Rural and Community Development, this important Programme is being delivered in Darndale further to recommendations from the Jack Nolan report.

The Place-Based Leadership Development programme will strengthen the capacity of those already working hard to improve the quality of community life in Darndale. The programme will encourage and facilitate collaboration that will positively impact the culture of the area.

The issues identified in both Darndale and Drogheda are complex and will require a response from a number of different sectors.  An important element of driving change will be a strong coalition of mutually invested organisations working with the local community.  This approach will make a lasting impact and bring forward the solutions required.

Place Based Leadership will open up new perspectives and possibilities and provide opportunities for mutual learning. It will also ensure that local leaders develop the collaboration skills needed to address the challenges their communities face.

Minister O’Brien acknowledged Northside Partnership and in particular CEO Paul Rogers’ input in the initial series of consultations in 2019/2020 and the professional input and direction of Dr. Rob Worrall. He also acknowledged Ciaran Reid and the team in Louth Leader Partnership who have worked hard to ensure the progression of the Place-Based Leadership Programme in Drogheda.

Minister O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to attend the induction of the Place-Based Leadership Development Programme. This programme will support each participant working to improve the lives of people in Darndale & Drogheda.

The programme will create an opportunity for the participants to work together to design, implement and review solutions to complex social challenges.

I am delighted that my Department was able to provide funding and support for this very important and meaningful programme. I am confident that the learnings from this great initiative can be built upon and expanded to other communities in Ireland going forward”.