Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) Pre 2010

The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) was a series of measures that were designed to counter disadvantage and to promote equality and social and economic inclusion.   This programme came to an end on 31 December 2009 and has been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

The LDSIP forms part of the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013, but is still being carried out under the guidelines of the 2000 – 2006 programme, pending the transition to a new programme in 2009/10. It is one measure of the Social Inclusion Priority within the plan.

LDSIP is implemented locally by 37 Integrated Local Development Companies, 17 Urban Partnerships and 2 Employment Pacts. These are not-for-profit companies that target the areas of greatest need in the country, to provide an area-based response to long-term unemployment and to promote social inclusion across three measures – Services for the Unemployed, Community Development and Community Based Youth Initiatives.  All implementing bodies are companies limited by guarantee, without share capital       

Implementing bodies have flexibility to prepare local development plans that respond to local economic and social needs. Each of these bodies prepares a strategic plan setting out objectives, actions and targets across the three measures, designed to address poverty and social inclusion in their areas. Actions funded by the LDSIP involve integrated responses to the multi-dimensional nature of social exclusion, which are grouped into these three areas of activity.         

Since the beginning of 2009, the LDISP has achieved full county coverage as a result of thecompleted cohesion process. As a new Programme is currently being developed, local implementing bodies will firstly focus on identifying areas of most need within their extended regions and building capacity in these areas. It is intended that ongoing administrative efficiencies in programme delivery and design will facilitate the continued targeting of resources at those most in need.

The Board of Directors of each implementing body bring together the following four sectors:

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).

Co-operation with the sectors and with other local organisations is also part of the everyday work of the local implementing bodies.  There is normally a balance in representation between the first three sectors, with a smaller number of elected public representatives.  Chairpersons play a key role in bringing together the different sectors to develop a shared vision.  Each Board elects a Chairperson from among its Directors or it may nominate an independent Chairperson.

The following disadvantaged individuals and communities are specifically named amongst the target groups of the LDSIP:

The following are the measures supported under the LDSIP:

  • Services for the Unemployed

    Within the ‘Services for the Unemployed’ measure, actions are developed that aim to counter the effects of long-term unemployment and under-employment. All actions under this measure aim to target individuals most vulnerable in the labour market through a series of locally appropriate approaches. Typical actions include:

    · advice, guidance and mentoring for those accessing information, employment, education, training and self-employment options

    · delivery of tailored and flexible training initiatives

    · development and maintenance of employer and service provider networks

    · development of self-employment/social economy initiatives

    · support for low-income smallholders.

  • Community Development

    Within the ‘Community Development’ measure, there is a commitment to building the capacity of target groups and disadvantaged communities to play a role in the development of strategies that will create real and effective change in the quality of their lives and in the opportunities available to them. Typical actions include:

    · direct developmental work with the target groups of the programme to build their capacity and organisational structure

    · engagement in pre-development work with the most marginalised groups

    · supports to promote full community participation in Partnerships and other local development structures

    · facilitation of social and economic analysis and needs-assessment training

    · supports  for small-scale improvements to the local environment and to community facilities.

    • Community Based Youth Initiatives

    · programmes to support retention and achievement, such as in-school mentoring, guidance, study supports, personal development and social development

    · education access and transition programmes

    · community-based Traveller education programmes

    · homework clubs, breakfast clubs, summer camps, after-school supports

    · developmental youth work in a community setting

    · training and capacity-building programmes for parents.

    Where can I get more information on LDSIP?

    Pobal, on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, administers the LDSIP.  Further information on the LDSIP is available from the Pobal website or by contacting:

    Local Development Social Inclusion Programme,
    Pobal,
    Holbrook House,
    Holles St.,
    Dublin 2.
    Phone: 353 1 2400700
    Fax: 353 1 6640411
    lbrogan@pobal.ie      

    In 2007 the Department commissioned Fitzpatricks Associates to undertake a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) 2000-2006.  It was carried out during the period March-September 2007, and was overseen by a Steering Committee with representatives of the Department and of the Department of Finance.  The final report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in November 2008.  A copy of the report can be downloaded using the link below.

     LDSIP VFM

    Under the ‘Community-Based Youth Initiatives’ measure, implementing bodies seek to complement and add value to mainstream educational provision by bolstering the community-basis of provision for students whose needs are not adequately met within mainstream education or who require additional supports. Particular attention has been paid to specific target groups, e.g. students with disabilities and young Travellers. Interventions also target parents, teachers and youth workers. There is an increasing focus on issues of inter-culturalism and ethnic diversity. Typical actions include:

    LDSIP VfM Report (2,088 kb)

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