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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.

LDCN

Buíon Phort Láirge is an active member of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), a network of 46 Local Development Companies operating throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Programme Funding

Buíon Phort Láirge bids for contracts from the Government of Ireland, the European Union and other funders to deliver services in Waterford City & County that are relevant to our vision and mission.

SICAP

2028 aims to increase social inclusion at a local level. It is a targeted, holistic programme, for those who experience discrimination and exclusion, and are less likely to access mainstream services. It provides supports directly to people and communities, and links them into existing services.

To find out more about the programme view the SICAP Info Video

“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.”

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) funds the Integration & Employment of Migrants Programme and The Atelier Roma Project.

The Department of Social Protection, through Intreo, funds the Local Area Employment Services in collaboration with Waterford Leader Partnership.

The Tús Programme is an initiative of the Department of Social Protection.

The Workability Immersion Programme is jointly funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Social Protection, and the EU, through the EIST Programme.

Board of Management

Our Board of Management
Michael O’Dwyer
Mary Quigley
Anne Nolan
Gerard Mooney
Brendan McEvoy
Jim Finn
Eamonn Freeman
Eadoin Carrick
Margaret Bond
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.

Buíon Senior Management

Our Senior Management Team
Liam Quinn
CEO
John Barrett
Tus & Foodbank Manager
Maria Cuddihy
Financial Controller
Catherine Power
Community Development Manager
Liz Riches
Communications & Innovations Manager
Pat Wallace
Operations & Programme Manager
Staff Portal
Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20035228
Buíon Phort Láirge is a registered trading name of Waterford Area Partnership CLG,
Limited by Guarantee under Company Registration No. 242806
© Copyright 2026 Buíon.ie All Rights Reserved.
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