Western Development Commission
Established in 1997 and formalized as a statutory body on February 1, 1999, the Western Development Commission (WDC) operates under the Department of Rural and Community Development (DCRD). Governed by the Western Development Commission Act of 1998, the WDC's primary focus is to promote and encourage economic and social development in the Western counties of Ireland, including Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, and Clare.
Achievements and Milestones
In 2023, the WDC achieved significant milestones, demonstrating its commitment to regional development:
Record-breaking Investment: Exceeded €11 million in equity and social finance, supporting start-ups, scaling companies, community and social enterprises, and strategic initiatives.
EU Funding Secured: Secured €11 million in EU funding for regional development, targeting priority areas such as the Circular Economy, Creative Economy, niche tourism, and SME innovation and digitization.
Workspace Revolution: The expansion of ConnectedHubs.ie, with 336 hubs onboard, has revolutionized workspace solutions for businesses in the region.