Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Conor D. McGuinness, has said the Government is failing communities across Waterford by continuing to underfund and undermine local development services.
Speaking after attending the launch of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) Pre-Budget Submission 2026, Deputy McGuinness said the Government’s failure to support the work of local partnerships and community organisations is directly impacting people in both rural and urban parts of the county.
“In every corner of Waterford – from Tallow to Tramore, Ballybeg to Bunmahon – local development companies are supporting communities, creating opportunities and delivering vital services. But they are being let down by a Government that talks a good game on inclusion and rural development, while refusing to fund or plan for the work actually needed.”
“The LDCN submission outlines clearly what we in Waterford have known for years: that successive governments have neglected the community development sector and ignored the calls of those working on the ground. Groups like Waterford Area Partnership and Waterford Leader Partnership are being asked to take on more and more responsibility, with less funding, no certainty, and no real engagement from Government.”
“Efforts to tackle poverty and exclusion in Waterford are hampered by the State’s unwillingness to invest in long-term community development. Whether it’s supporting new communities, Traveller families, lone parents or young people locked out of training and employment, the resources simply haven’t kept pace with the need.”
“The social economy is also under pressure. The CE, Tús and RSS schemes play a central role in delivering community services right across this county – but they have been allowed to drift. Participants and supervisors are being left behind, despite the critical role they play in local life.”
“Waterford communities are also being denied a real say in climate action. Local groups have the skills, the ideas and the ambition to lead on this – but instead of backing initiatives like community climate coaches, the Government has kept things small-scale and uncertain. That needs to change.”
“Rural development schemes like LEADER have made a real difference in places like Cappoquin, An Rinn, and Kilmacthomas – but there’s a real risk that progress will stall if funding and policy support continue to lag. And the lack of dedicated support for local food producers and rural enterprise shows just how out of touch this Government has become.”
Deputy McGuinness said he will continue to work closely with local development companies and community organisations across the county to push for change.
“I’ll continue to engage with Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Leader Partnership and community groups from across the city and county. The work is happening, the solutions are known – what’s missing is Government will. Budget 2026 must deliver. Anything less is a betrayal of the people and communities who’ve carried this work for decades.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 