About Us

 

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Five LEADER Partnership companies:  Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, Laois Partnership Company, Carlow County Development Partnership,  North Tipperary  LEADER Partnership and South Tipperary Development Company collaborated to learn of the potential benefits of community-run shops and cafés in rurally isolated areas of Ireland.

 

The network has the twin objectives of:

  • Informing and enthusing the attending community champions in the potential of Community Shop
  • Influencing the politicians, public servants and media that shape public policy to support the Community Shop concept with funding, regulation and informed exposure.

 

The LEADER companies will also look at existing community shop models in Ireland and the UK and the positive influences it has had on it’s  surrounding  communities.  The LEADER Partnerships will then look at how they may offer incentives to encourage the development of community shops in rural areas.