About us

Buíon Phort Láirge (trading name of Waterford Area Partnership) was established in November 1995.

What is Buíon?

We are a not for profit Local Development Company that is managed by a voluntary board of management made up of representatives from local communities, the trades union sector, the local business sector and other voluntary bodies.

We take a bottom up approach to the development of local services and programmes that meet the needs of our communities and improve the quality of life for our citizens. We welcome engagement from, and collaboration with, all groups and individuals who align with our values.

Our programmes and services deliver on areas such as; social inclusion, rural development & community development, addressing food poverty, employment training & access, education & personal development opportunities, start your own business / social enterprise supports, and climate action.

Our Vision

We work with individuals, community organisations, businesses and other agencies across Waterford to make connections, create opportunities, and to share knowledge and skills that help tackle the impact of social exclusion
and discrimination.

Our Vision:
A diverse and inclusive society that values everyone through promoting access, participation, equality and human rights.

Our Mission:
We work in collaboration with others to empower communities and individuals by implementing person-centred programmes and activities that support social inclusion and equality.

Our Values:
Innovation, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity, Empathy

Want to know more about what we can do for you or your community? Contact us at info@buion.ie.

Accounts & Reports

Buíon Annual Accounts Buíon Annual Reports

SICAP

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021 -2027.

Board of Management

Our Board of Management

Eoin Ronayne

Chairperson, Appointed 2021. Trades Union Sector. Former journalist WLR & RTE and senior union official with the NUJ, and CPSU/Fórsa (General Secretary). Currently a Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission and a Board member of the Road Safety Authority and the Irish Labour History Society.

Anne Nolan

Appointed 2024. Community & Voluntary Sector. Humanitarian supporting Refugees, Asylum Seekers and vulnerable migrants since 2006. As a Human Rights practitioner and co-founder of Waterford Integration Services, she ensures that Ireland lives up to its commitment to fully protect and serve those who are fleeing global persecution. Anne is experienced in interagency working to maximise outcomes within the community. In 2021 Anne was elected as a Board member of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) and promotes anti-racism strategies at local, national, EU and global level. In 2022 she joined the Central Group of Community Workers Ireland (CWI). An experienced lecturer at third level and as a training provider, Anne has delivered presentations at the United Nations IN New York, and other international and academic venues across Europe.

Brendan McEvoy

Appointed 2022. Business Sector. Now retired, Senior manager with 33 years’ experience leading Supply Chain Planning organisations in the Medical Devices (Bausch+Lomb) & Toy (MB/Hasbro) Industries. Seven years establishing, managing and developing a small engineering SME business. Facilitated and managed new product launches for the Japanese, European and US markets. Implemented major strategic projects and supply chain initiatives across diverse business areas, at global and local management level in a multi-cultural environment. Managed and modified site, regional and global planning and supply chain systems and procedures. Currently on the board of the Dunhill Multi-Educational Centre and a member of the Cnoc Sion Class of 1974 Reunion Committee.

Eadoin Carrick

Appointed 2024. Business Sector. Co-owner & director of Cantec Group, 2025/26 president of Waterford Chamber, 2021 president of Network Ireland Waterford branch, board member of Symphony Club of Waterford, volunteer with Ronin Challenge charity relay run.

Eamonn Freeman

Appointed 2022. Business Sector. Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) with a Professional Diploma in Credit Union Advice (CUA) and Credit Union Governance (CUG) together with a Certificate in Mortgage Practices, a Professional Certificate in General Insurance for QFA’s and a professional Certificate in Compliance.

Jim Finn

Appointed 2021. Community & Voluntary Sector. Retired farmer from outside Thurles County Tipperary. Former chairperson of North Tipperary Development Company , also former chair of ILDN (Irish Local Development Network) now renamed as the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN). Currently chair of the Mid-West Regional Drugs Task Force, a board member of The Nore Vision.

Margaret Bond

Appointed 2022. Business Sector. Margaret Bond is Managing Director of Codico Distributors, Ireland’s leading marking and labelling company. She has served as a Director of Waterford City Enterprise Board, Waterford City Development Board and Boston College Ireland. Margaret currently serves as Chairperson of Waterford City Community Enterprise Centre and Treasurer of St.Josephy’s Childcare Centre.

Mary Quigley

Appointed 2026. Community & Voluntary Sector. Former local government officer for 50 years with Waterford Corporation /Council. Specialised in Finance /Internal Audit /Community and Property Manager with Council (24 years ). Retired Feb 2026. Long time volunteer with SVP in areas of home visitation, childcare board, training for new members. Mother and grandmother.

Michael Bowe

Appointed 2025. Community & Voluntary Sector. Michael Bowe, married to Frances, has 3 children and four grandchildren. His working life spans over 45 years in the private and NGO . The first 12 years were in the private sector initially working for an American engineering company and then researched and set up three successful enterprises in the food, retail, and motoring sectors. He became the CEO of the Dublin Northwest Partnership (DNP) in 1991 where he worked for the next 33 years focussing his energies on combating social exclusion in targeted geographic areas. He supported the Waterford Area Partnership in 2021/2021 as part of their restructuring programme. He served on many voluntary Boards including Chairperson of the Finglas/Cabra Drugs Task Force and a Director and Co. Secretary of the Local Development Companies Network. Following his retirement in 2024 he took on the role of Chairperson of Ashbourne Golf Club.

Michael O’Dwyer

Appointed 2025. Business Sector. Retired Regional Director AIB