North Tipperary Development Company’s (NTDC) services focus on promoting local economic development and on addressing inequality and social exclusion in the area under its remit.

It delivers the following programmes and services:

Rural Development Programme (LEADER) 2023-2027

The LEADER Programme 2023 -2027 aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas and to encourage diversification of the rural economy.  Under the current programme, local projects may be funded under three LEADER themes and nine sub-themes as shown below.

Theme 1: Economic Development and Job Creation

Sub Themes:

• The Green Economy
• Agricultural Diversification
• Rural Tourism and Recreation
• Enterprise Development
• Rural Food Production
• Social, Community and Cooperative Enterprise

Theme 2: Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion

Sub Themes:

• Rural Infrastructure
• Accessible Services
• Rural Youth Support

Theme 3: Sustainable Development of Rural Environment and Climate Change

Sub Themes:

• Sustainable Development of Rural environment
• Climate Change Capacity Building & Reversing Biodiversity Loss
• Adapting to & Mitigation of Climate Change

The programme operates on the basis of two types of Calls:

1. Targeted Calls: Targeted periodic Calls for Expression of Interest/Applications are issued to ensure that funding is targeted where it most delivers value, are awarded based on comparative assessment and secures equal opportunities for potential applicants.
2. Rolling Calls: Applications are accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.

How it Works:

An eligibility assessment of your idea is conducted by the Rural Development Officer. This can be conducted via telephone.  If the project is eligible in principle the applicant is invited to make a formal application for funding. Applicants are invited to engage with LEADER 2023-27 programme staff in completing and returning applications in line with the requirements as set out in each particular LEADER Funding Call and the LEADER Operation Rules.  Please note the timeline for approval of projects will be significantly longer than under previous programmes. If the project is successful and the applicant is issued with a contract, the grant funded works can only commence after the signing of the grant award contract.

Tipperary Local and Community Development Committee (LCDC) is the Local Action Group (LAG) for County Tipperary and is responsible for the management of the LEADER Local Development Strategy (LDS) in the county.  North Tipperary Development Company CLG is its implementation partner in the North Tipperary area and will deliver the majority of project and animation related actions associated with the implementation of the LDS including managing calls for proposals.  Tipperary County Council are the financial partner and secretariat.

Expressions of Interest & Application Forms can be requested from lmckeogh@ntdc.ie or by calling 067 56676

Types of Projects

Potential project areas which could be funded under this theme include:

• Development of community environmental, habitat restoration and improvement projects, leading to enhanced biodiversity on land and/or water.
• Development of Community Gardens, Allotments / Grow-it-Yourself initiatives operating on high nature value principles, with priority given to disadvantaged areas.
• Feasibility and technical studies and action plans for biodiversity, water conservation and quality on lakes and river catchments, energy conservation or renewable energy.
• Feasibility and technical studies relating to green technologies for communities and social enterprises.
• Community-based renewable energy production models, e.g., solar PV, biomass, anaerobic digestion, community wind and hydro generation and community-based district energy schemes, and support for local supply chain development, particularly for biomass and forestry residue.
• Supports for energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures in community facilities, including retrofitting, renewable energy, electric car charging points, bike racks and storage to facilitate active travel etc.
• Supports for waste reduction, upcycling, circular economy etc.,

However, this is not exhaustive and we welcome all project ideas that contribute to the theme.

Further information

Please contact one of the project development officers for an informal discussion.  Detailed information about the LEADER programme is available on the websites below.

North Tipperary Development Company on 067-56676 www.ntdc.ie  Email: lmckeogh@ntdc.ie

South Tipperary Development CLG on 052-7442652 www.stdc.ie  Email: rdp@stdc.ie

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP 2024-2028):

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024-2028 provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. SICAP 2024-2028 is the successor programme to SICAP 2018-2023, which was the successor programme to SICAP 2015-2017.  

SICAP is a targeted, holistic programme, for those who are most disadvantaged and less likely to access mainstream services, which provides supports directly to beneficiaries and links them into existing services. Programme Implementers/ Development Workers (PIs) engage with marginalised communities and service providers using a community development approach to address issues relating to social exclusion and inequality. SICAP also prioritises local engagement and partnerships, between SICAP Programme Implementers, disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.  

SICAP GOALS

SICAP a variety of different and important features that provides supports to respond to individual and community needs, aiming to ensure that beneficiaries receive quality, tailored supports, while also allowing flexibility to adapt actions to local need. It enables bottom-up approaches within the framework of a national programme which provides targets, performance indicators and requirements. 

GOAL One – Supporting Communities & Target Groups

This goal supports communities and target groups to engage with relevant stakeholders in identifying and addressing social exclusion and equality issues, developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, and creating more sustainable communities. The primary beneficiaries of Goal 1 are LCGs and social enterprises that have a remit in working with or providing services to SICAP target groups. Goal 1 includes providing supports for social enterprises.

GOAL Two – Supporting Individuals 

This goal supports disadvantaged individuals in improving the quality of their lives through the provision of lifelong learning and labour market supports. The primary beneficiaries of Goal 2 are disadvantaged individuals aged 15 years upwards and children and families. 

You are eligible to avail of SICAP supports if you:  

4. People living in disadvantaged communities 
5. People impacted by educational disadvantage 
6. People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious  
7. People who are long-term unemployed 
8. People with a criminal history 
9. Refugees 
10. International Protection Applicants 
11. Disabled People/People with Disabilities 
12. Heads of One-parent Families 
13. Travellers 
14. Roma 
15. Island residents

Under SICAP, NTDC runs such services and projects as:

• Empowering Communities & Participation
• Collective Action
• Social Enterprise
• Social Justice & Sustainable Development
• Bringing Learning to Life
• Child & Youth Development
• Work Readiness and Career Supports
• Enterprise Supports for Jobseekers
• English as a second Language Provision
• Human Rights, Equality & Anti-Discrimination

SICAP Contact Information

We have offices based in Nenagh, Thurles and Roscrea and our SICAP team are happy to help you with any queries you may have.

NTDC Nenagh | 067 56676

• Joanne Mulqueen | 087 369 7922 | jmulqueen@ntdc.ie
• Caroline Shanahan | 087 737 8724 | cshanahan@ntdc.ie
• Michael Ryan | 087 222 6298 | mryan@ntdc.ie
• Inna Varytska | 087 253 2190 | ivarytska@ntdc.ie
• Sabelo Mavuso |087 381 4079   | sabelo.mavuso@ntdc.ie
• Rachel O’Malley |087 0369807 | romalley@ntdc.ie
• Jessica Masira | 087 036 5292 | jmasira@ntdc.ie

NTDC Thurles | 0504 90579

• Martina Phelan | 085 213 6716 | mphelan@ntdc.ie
• Kevin Burrows | 087 335 0790 | kburrows@ntdc.ie

NTDC Roscrea | 0505  24166

• Margo O’Donnell Roche | 087 718 0382 | modonnellroche@ntdc.ie
• Mark O’ Dwyer | 087 9280755 | mark.mark.odwyer@ntdc.ie

NTDC Ascend Project

NTDC Ascend Domestic abuse service

Confidential Services Available Across North Tipperary Include:

• One-on-One Support
• Information
• Court Accompaniment and Support
• Access to Counselling
• Children’s Service
• Personal Development

Helpline Number: 0879501299

Email: ascend@ntdc.ie

Mission Statement:  NTDC Ascend Domestic Abuse Service is committed to ensuring that every woman will live a life free from abuse in all its forms and reclaim the power to fulfil her potential.

Primary Purpose: Ascend work to ensure that all women have support and information around the dynamics of domestic abuse available to them when they require it so they can make informed choices.

Project Aim: We work tirelessly to provide a confidential, trauma informed service for all women and children who have or are experiencing Domestic Abuse. We do this by working collaboratively and collectively with Clients, their families, the communities that we work within and external services to educate around the acknowledgement and unacceptability of Domestic Abuse in all its forms and the effects of it on women and children.  We place the safety of women and children at the centre of our work and continue to advocate on their behalf where and when it is appropriate to do so.

Project Goals: To provide a range of services to meet the demands of the project, our clients, the communities we serve and to do this through a well-informed, supported team who are experts in the field of Domestic Abuse.

Service User testimonial:

“Thanks to all the good, caring people in Ascend and the people, like myself, who were so fortunate to have found Ascend. I would never have got through the tough times without all of you. Please let people know that there is HOPE along the way”.

Ascend Coordinator, Patricia Whelan says: “Here at Ascend, we understand that making the first contact can be a difficult step; we are here to help and listen.  We offer confidential and non-judgemental support and information.  Or if you are worried about someone you know and need support or advice, please contact us”.

Services: Ascend is compromised of a small staff team working under the management and support of North Tipperary Development Company.
We provide support and information to women who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse in their intimate relationships.  We aim to put the safety of women and children at the centre of our work. We aim to empower women in their lives, and to advocate on their behalf where appropriate.

1. This service offers support, information, listening and an understanding of domestic abuse issues. We can meet you at a place and time of your convenience throughout North Tipperary.
2. We offer a confidential listening and informative telephone service where you have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about domestic abuse in your life.
3. We will provide you with emotional support; someone will listen to you, believe you, and help you get clarity on your situation. We are here to help a woman identify her options.
4. A safety plan will be created in consultation with you. This can be done in person or initial contact can be made over the phone.
5. If we have concerns about your safety or that of your children we will make a referral to specialised services within Tusla.
6. We can accompany you and participate in Child Protection conferences and other relevant meetings as requested.
7. We make referrals to programmes such as TLC Kidz, Family Support Services, external Counselling services, Pieta House and any other relevant agencies according to your needs. We provide support with regard to the following agencies: Referral to a refuge, or alternative temporary housing through Social Work, Social Welfare, Housing and homeless services, Child Protection, Gardaí, Legal Aid, St. Vincent de Paul and many others.

Court Accompaniment Service

We can:

• Support you in court on matters relating to domestic violence, maintenance, child access, separation and divorce.
• Give you a clear understanding of the procedures of court.
• Accompany you to appointments with solicitors at your request.
• Explain the different court orders to you.
• Explain what is required of you by the Courts when Orders are granted.
• Provide on-going service to you throughout your court history and follow-up.

We do not provide legal advice or counselling services.

Other Services

• We run a Personal Development group for women to support their recovery and rebuild their self-esteem.
• We also deliver a Healthy Relationships programme for Transition Year students, girls and boys to promote self-esteem, help them identify abusive behaviour and signpost services. The sessions are interactive and engaging for the young people, promoting discussion and reflective learning.
• We are part of the interagency group-work programme TLC Kidz,  hosted by Barnardos, for children and mothers who have been exposed to domestic abuse.
• We are part of the North Tipperary Local Area Network, Safe Ireland, and the Irish Observatory on Violence Against Women.
• Own My Life Courses: The Own My Life course is run by Ascend as an innovative, creative and educational course for women. It supports women in regaining ownership of their lives when they have been subjected to abuse. This is done through short videos, structured discussions, group and individual activities, and a comprehensive learning journal. Phone 087-9501299 for more info for our next course.

Contact Information:

Helpline: 0505-23999

Coordinator: 087-9501299

E-mail: ascend@ntdc.ie

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AscendDomesticAbuse/

X: https://twitter.com/AscendAbuse

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ascend_domesticabuse/

Community Employment:

Community employment is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed-term basis. The purpose of Community Employment is to help unemployed people to re-enter the workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them in enhancing both their technical and personal skills. The Community Employment programme is administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection with NTDC acting as one of the voluntary organizations or sponsors that manages the scheme.

Contact Information:

Gearoid Ryan: 087 1029693 / cormond@ntdc.ie

Family Support Programmes

NTDC Family Support Projects

The Family Support Project was developed in 2017, with funding sourced through Tusla.  The Project works in a variety of ways to provide supports for young people and families in the town of Roscrea.

Referrals can be made by a wide variety of sources, including self-referrals. The family support worker is there to provide one-to-one support, as well as parenting programmes for both groups and individuals, Meitheals, a listening ear, a signpost service when needed, and is always good for a cuppa.

NTDC operates two family support projects under:

The Traveller Programme

The Roscrea Youth Services Project.

Roscrea Family Support Project: The Family Support service is a community-based early intervention approach that works in partnership with families, different agencies and professionals to ensure efficient delivery of services. The service is child-centered and works to promote and protect the health, well-being and rights of all children, young people, and their families. At the same time, particular attention is given to those who are vulnerable or at risk.

Family support is a strengths-based approach which promotes family coping, resilience and strengthens positive informal social networks. The Family support worker is there to provide one to one support, parenting support, delivery of parenting programmes or a signposting service when needed. Families can self-refer by directly contacting the Family support worker or can be referred by other professionals.

For more information contact:

Kate Flynn, Family Support Worker,  kflynn@ntdc.ie | 087-9529041

To access family support services, download a referral form here: https://www.ntdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NTDC-Family-Support-Referral-Form.docx

Resources: 

North Tipperary Parenting Support Guide

The Guide contains reliable information about the range of parenting supports available in North Tipperary, including an outline of the supports each service provides and details of how to get in contact with service. There is also some useful information regarding key parenting messages and National Support Lines. It is available to download here: https://www.ntdc.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/North-Tipperary-Parenting-Support-Guide.pdf

NTDC Mid-West LAES Supports

NTDC Mid-West LAES is a new employment service funded by the Department of Social Protection working with long term unemployed clients farthest from the labour market with barriers to labour market participation.

People in receipt of Job-seekers payments are referred to the LAES by the Department of Social Protection and we work with each client to support and assist them into employment. We deliver our LAES services in a friendly and supportive environment providing services to jobseekers looking for jobs in Limerick City & County, Clare and North Tipperary. Our services include Career guidance, CV creation, Job searching skills including Online Job Applications, Interview Skills and sign posting to services such as Community Employment (CE) schemes, ETB courses, SICAP & Workplace Experience Programmes.

Contact Information:

Nenagh & Newport: Linda Conlon: 067 56676

Nenagh & Roscrea: Melissa Murphy: 087 137 7803 / 0505 241 66 / 067 566 76

Nenagh & Thurles: Geraldine Madden: 087 482 3625 0504 905 79 / 067 566 76

Rural Social Scheme

The Rural Social Scheme provides income support for low-income farmers in return for part-time work in rural communities. It is based on a 19½ hours flexible week to ensure your participation does not affect your farming activities.

North Tipperary Development Company currently has an allocation of 44 places with 2 supervisors placed in various locations across the North Tipperary Area.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify you must provide a copy of your Basic Payment Scheme application for the current year, including a valid herd number. You must be in receipt of Farm Assist or one of the following qualifying Social Welfare/Means Tested payments:

• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Jobseekers Transitional Payment
• Widow(er)’s Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory)
• Disability Allowance
• Adult Dependents of Non-Contributory Old Age Pensioners who themselves are under 66.

If you are eligible and do not wish to participate on the RSS, your dependent spouse/civil partner/cohabitant can apply in your place.  You may also permit a sibling or child to use your Herd Number to participate, once they satisfy the other qualifying criteria.

Contact Details:

David Kyne: dkyne@ntdc.ie /  087 122 9438

Mary O’Dwyer modwyer@ntdc.ie / 087 910 9261

Traveller Programme

The NTDC Traveller Programme aims to counter the disadvantage experienced by Travellers across North Tipperary. Working in partnership with the HSE, Tipperary Co Council and other agencies the programme promotes equality of access and outcomes for Travellers in the county. There are two strands to the programme:

• Primary Healthcare Project
• Family Support Project

Traveller Family Support Project

The Traveller Family Support Project provides support to Traveller families to build their strengths/resilience and respond to challenging issues in a way that is culturally sensitive and competent.  The project supports Traveller children and young people to develop and achieve the five national outcomes in a way that respects, values and includes their culture in support actions.

• It is an early intervention and prevention programme
• Support is provided to parents and families in their own homes and communities
• It promotes and protects the health, well-being and rights of all the children, young people and families it works with, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable or at risk.
• It supports and strengthens transitions for children and young people
• It listens to and involves young people
• It re-enforces informal social networks
• It works in partnership and in an integrated way with statutory, community and voluntary organisations in order to meet the family’s needs.
• It ensures that children and families receive a quality service

The Tús programme

Tús is a community work placement, providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people since 2011.

The Tús initiative is managed by local development companies for the department of social protection, which has the overall responsibility for the scheme. North Tipperary Development Company manages the Tús initiative for the North Tipperary region.

The Tús programme in North Tipperary Development Company currently operates out of three regional offices. Nenagh, Thurles and Roscrea. If you wish to register as a host community or Tús participant, you can contact your local supervisors.

Nenagh Office: 067 56676  – Seamus O’Sullivan & Philomena Keyes

Thurles office: 0504 90286 – Tony Lanagan

Roscrea Office: 0505 23379 -Louise Nash

Rural Social Scheme

Rural Social Scheme provides income support to low income farm families who are in receipt of long term social welfare payments, and they in return undertake work of benefit to their local community for a scheduled number of hours per week. NTDC administers and runs this scheme on behalf of the DSP.

Other services the NTDC provides include:

• Ascend Domestic Abuse service
• Roscrea Family Support Service
• Traveller project, based in Roscrea, including a Primary Health Care Project
• Roscrea Youth Service

Contact Information:

Roscrea Office: 0505 241 66

Thurles Office: 0504 90286

Nenagh Office: 067 56676

Youth Services

Roscrea Youth Service

Roscrea Youth Service (RYS) is an amalgamation of separate projects housed in the RYS building on Rosemary Street, Roscrea, under the umbrella of North Tipperary Development Company.

The Youth Services now comprise of the UBU (Your Place Your Space) Project, the RAY Project, which is part of the Youth Diversion Project, the Early Intervention Initiative, the Youth Counselling & Well-being service, and Roscrea Family Support. All these services focus on working together in collaboration for the benefit of the local community.

The mission of the RYS is to support the children, young people, and their families living in the Roscrea area to have a quality welcoming and safe youth space available to them throughout the stages of growing up from primary, to secondary and on into early life.

For more information contact:

Youth Service Coordinator -Erika Barnett-  087-6200633 / ebarnett@ntdc.ie

Facebook @roscreayouthservice

Instagram @roscreayouthservice

Roscrea Youth Counselling Service

Roscrea Youth Counselling Service offers one-one counselling for young people aged 10 – 17 years.

For more information contact:

Kate Flynn, Family Support Worker & Youth Counselling Coordinator, on 087-9529041 | kflynn@ntdc.ie

RAY Youth Diversion Project

“The RAY project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union as part of the European Social Fund Plus Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Operational Programme 2021-2027”. For more information visit www.eufunds.ie  

Our Youth Justice Workers liaise with young people in the Roscrea catchment area who are at risk of, or who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.  Using a wide range of evidence-based programs and interventions to support young people who have been referred to the project.  Work is carried out in group and one-to-one sessions.

The aim of this project is to divert young people, who have been referred due to anti-social behaviour and or criminal activity, away from such activity and life-style and into diversionary activities.

The project provides 1:1 support to RAY youth diversion participants and iScoil Students who are working to achieve a QQI accreditation.

For more information contact:

Sophie McCarter, Youth Justice Worker, on 087-6978868  smccarter@ntdc.ie

Caitlin Moyne, Youth Justice Worker, on 087-9033123 / cmoyne@ntdc.ie

Early Intervention Initiative

The Early Intervention Initiative is part of the Youth Diversion Project. We work with young people aged 8-11 years with the aim to engage young people in activities and opportunities which support and guide them to make informed decisions and positive life choices through a fun and engaging approach.

Early Intervention can present in a range of different formats such as group work, individual work, skills based programmes, mentoring, collaborating with other services and recreational activities for the individual child.

For more information contact:

Mary Grace, Early Intervention Worker, on 087-2106606 | m.b.grace@ntdc.ie

(UBU) Yor Place Your Space Project

We provide various groups and activities for all young people aged 10-24 years in Roscrea. The main aim of our service is to provide out of school support to young people in their local community to fulfil their potential by improving their personal and social development through various groups and programmes in a safe environment.

We operate a number of fun afterschool groups for both primary aged young people and secondary school young people. Examples of activities include pool, computers, gaming, board and card games, arts, crafts, and more. We have an Astro Turf pitch out the back of the premises for outdoor activities. During the summer, we run planned activities and events in consultation with the young people who have engaged regularly in the groups throughout the year. Activities occur on site and off site. There are a variety of activities that have previously ran including swimming, waterpark, bowling, cinema, fun days, BBQ’s and more.

This service is funded under the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and locally administered through Tipperary ETB.

For more information, contact:

Tara Moloughney, Youth Worker – 087 744 4103 / tmoloughney@ntdc.ie

Target Groups: For SICAP, see list of eligible groups above. For Tús, the criteria is at least 12 months unemployed and receipt of Jobseekers Allowance For Rural Social Scheme, qualifications are to be a low-income farmer and to be in receipt of a Social Welfare payment

How to access: For Tús, self-referral to local Intreo or Social Welfare branch office. For all other services, contact NTDC office.