Local Community Groups Supports

Buíon Phort Láirge supports local community groups across Waterford City & County to develop services and facilities that build inclusive and sustainable communities.

What Are Our Supports to Local Community Groups?

Our SICAP Community Development Team provide practical support, training and guidance to help groups to grow, connect and respond to local needs

How We Can Support Your Group:

1. Guidance on setting and running a local community group or network.

For example, support on committee setup & skills, constitution development, finance management, funding support, governance support and navigating compliance to ensure your group runs smoothly. We complete an annual support plan with each group to support your development.

2. Networking and Collaboration

We support community groups to identify common goals and find ways to work together. By bringing people together, supporting collaboration and helping build local connections, we strengthen communities and create networks that can eventually operate on their own without ongoing support. For example, Mens Shed Network and Community Growers Network.

3. Community Outreach & Engagement

For example, we will support you to undertake; community consultations, needs analysis, surveys and outreach processes, leafleting and awareness campaigns, open meetings, activities that encourage participation and inclusion such as Family Fun Days & Health & Wellbeing Events.

One Local Community Group's experience of engaging with our Supports:

Buíon has been an invaluable source of support to Autism Support Dungarvan since our establishment in 2022.
Our assigned Community Worker has supported us every step of the way from helping us to establish and developing our group and committee structure.
We have been assisted with grant applications, funding opportunities, and administrative processes, helping us build a strong and sustainable organisation.
Through their support, we were also able to access networking opportunities, community collaborations, and valuable local partnerships.
As a volunteer-led group made up of parents and carers of autistic individuals, flexibility and understanding were extremely important to us. Buíon accommodated our needs by supporting us with online meetings and helping to reduce the administrative burden on our committee.
We have been consistently informed of opportunities, developments and initiatives relevant to our community, helping us build valuable connections and partnerships along the way. They have helped contribute funds towards some wonderful Autism Friendly events in our community also.
Their encouragement, expertise and unwavering belief in our vision have played a significant role in the success of Autism Support Dungarvan and in our ability to continue supporting autistic individuals and families across West Waterford for almost four years now.
With their support we’ve also set up Autism Friendly Dungarvan and we are in the process of making Dungarvan an Autism Friendly Town.

The Journey of the Gracedieu Growers:

In late 2023, our team hosted a Community Growers Event where people across Waterford came together to share ideas, network, and build connections.
It was here we first met a small group of growers from the Gracedieu area. With SICAP support, encouragement, and a space to develop their potential, this group re-formed as the Gracedieu Growers.
By 2025, they hosted an episode of Behind the Garden Fence as part of our Community Growers Network, a celebration of local community gardens and the people who bring them to life.
In 2025, they facilitated a "Grow Together" Programme, in collaboration with Buíon Phort Láirge -SICAP Community Development - The Integration and Employment of Migrants Team - The Community Intercultural Health Team & The Atelier Programme.
The initiative welcomed 12 community participants from diverse backgrounds, offering weekly hands-on sessions in gardening, teamwork, and shared learning.
The Grow Together Programme was more than just gardening. It reflected the core principles of community development including empowerment, inclusion, collaboration and sustainability.

How we have supported the Dungarvan Community Centre Steering Committee:

In 2025, Buíon Phort Láirge collaborated with Dungarvan Community Centre Steering Group to present a feasibility study into the development of a Multi-Use Community Centre in Dungarvan. Over the past three years local community organisations have highlighted the ongoing challenges they are encountering in accessing community facilities.
During this time, a number of meetings with community organisations and service providers were facilitated, the outcome of which was to assess the need in Dungarvan for community facilities that are not presently, or adequately, met.
This study was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and local groups and explores the feasibility of delivering a purpose-built or repurposed multi-use community facility in Dungarvan.
Through detailed needs analysis, community engagement, site assessment, and business modelling, the study concludes that investment in such a facility is both viable and essential.
The report maps out a clear pathway that will support Dungarvan’s community groups and service providers in advancing this project to the next stage.
In 2026, the group are working to develop a Strategic Plan to progress the project. To access the report please click on the link.

For more information get in touch with one of our team members below.

Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural & Community Development met with representatives of local Community Groups & organisations to discuss the need for a Community Centre.