At the STDC Annual Report Launch L-R Isabel Cambie (Rural Development Programme Manager, STDC), Donal Walsh (Financial Controller, STDC), Cllr. Roger Kennedy, Martin Quinn (Chairman, STDC), Cllr. John Crosse, Heather Pollard (Caravantasia), Niall Morrissey (CEO, STDC), Minister Of State Tom Hayes TD, Phil Shanahan (SICAP Programme Manager, STDC), Tom Pollard (Caravantasia)
Minister Of State Tom Hayes addresses attendees at the event
.Deputy Tom Hayes Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine today 31st July, 2015, launched the South Tipperary Development Company Annual Progress Report 2014. The launch took place at Caravantasia in Crohane, Killenaule, a glamping business owned by Tom Pollard. Caravantasia is just one of the many businesses supported by the local development company and is located on a 23 acre farm. STDC continually try to encourage and support members of the farming community to explore farm diversification options and the location for today’s launch is a wonderful example how a business start-up idea can become a reality if an entrepreneur is provided with the right supports.
South Tipperary Development Company is a non-profit organisation which delivers a range of programmes that tackle poverty and social exclusion, assists enterprise creation, supports the long-term unemployed and offers education and training supports.
South Tipperary Development Company’s objectives are delivered through a range of Programmes such as:
- The Rural Development Programme (LEADER)
- Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (formerly LCDP)
- Tús Programme
- Rural Social Scheme
- National Countryside Recreation Strategy (incorporating the Walks Scheme)
- Traveller Health Care Programme
- Home Repairs Service
- The Incredible Years Programme
- Ballylynch Playschool
- BenefIT 4 (Digital Skills Programme)
- Eircode Community Outreach Champion
The Company has a tremendous impact in almost every community in the County and has positively contributed to improving the quality of life for a vast proportion of the people living in Tipperary.
In addition to the provision and facilitation of training and education for people experiencing unemployment, the Company has played a major role in the delivery of vital infrastructural facilities in towns and villages in South Tipperary, such as construction and upgrading of community halls, playgrounds, tidy towns, trails, conservation and recording of local heritage. In addition STDC are involved in homecare, community shops, walks maintenance and the development of tourism products e.g. www.exploretipperary.ie
STDC Annual Progress Report 2014 launch at Caravantasia
Crucially South Tipperary Development Company has played its part in the recovery of the local economy and has supported many businesses, both start ups and existing, creating employment and income generating opportunities for many residents of South Tipperary.
The Company has assisted businesses from many different sectors e.g. food, Craft, engineering, clothing, tourism accommodation, forestry, agriculture, etc.
During 2014 alone STDC:
• Assisted 58 people to secure employment
• Supported 29 individuals to establish their own businesses
• Provided training and education opportunities to 1,296 people
• Provided work experience placements to 246 individuals
At the launch event at Caravantasia L-R Councillor John Crosse, Michael Begley (Development Officer, STDC), Heather Pollard (Caravantasia), Minister Of State Tom Hayes TD, Tom Pollard (Caravantasia), Niall Morrissey (CEO, STDC)
The STDC Annual Progress Report 2014 provides a snapshot of the variety of projects and initiatives supported by the Board and employees of South Tipperary Development Company.
Martin Quinn Chairperson took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the dedication of the STDC Board members who all serve in a voluntary capacity.
Niall Morrissey CEO thanked all the Company’s funders, namely the Department of the Environment Community and Local Government, Department of Social Protection, Pobal, Fáilte Ireland, Community Foundation of Ireland, (Tony Ryan Trust), Túsla, HSE and the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources.
Download a copy of the STDC Annual Progress Report 2014: STDC-Annual-Progress-Report-2014
Download a copy of the media coverage from the Nationalist 05/08/2015: STDC-Annual-Report-Launch-Nationalist-August-5th