CCLD reflects on three decades supporting communities

When Ukrainian refugees first began arriving in Cavan after fleeing Russia’s invasion, they immediately needed somewhere safe to turn.

They also needed information, accommodation and practical assistance navigating unfamiliar health, education and other services. But, as Ukrainian Intercultural Support Worker Larysa Sakala told those gathered to mark 30 years of Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), the refugees themselves required something far more fundamental: to feel welcome, accepted and able to become part of their new community.

Four years on, the scale of the Cavan response stands as one of the clearest examples of local development in practice.

At its peak, in February 2024, 1,931 Ukrainians were registered in Cavan, with more than 1,500 supported by CCLD since the start of the war. More than 1,000 English-language classes, were provided, with 20 partner organisations involved in the wider support network.

Impact

For Ms Sakala, the figures tell only part of the story.

“What we are really talking about is four years of welcome, connection and belonging, and how our response changed as the needs of people arriving in our communities changed.”

In the early days, those needs were “very practical”.

“It was about providing a safe and human point of contact, information, helping people understand what was available and how to access it.”

There were difficult moments too.

“We were there when a child was diagnosed with a brain tumour,” Ms Sakala said, describing how the team supported the family, including helping organise a funeral when all other avenues of support had been exhausted.

“We were there when refugees arrived in Swanlinbar at 2am in the morning,” she continued.

“We were there to answer questions - questions such as, ‘How do I get home to bury a loved one back home?’”

Serigy Balan of the Ukrainian Association of Ireland told the gathering that CCLD’s contribution had gone far beyond practical assistance.

“You didn’t just support Ukrainian people- you helped us to become an active part of this wonderful community.”

Mr Balan presented CCLD with a painting bringing together Cavan, Ireland and Ukraine as a symbol of gratitude.

“It represents a simple truth: Cavan has become part of our Ukrainian story, and Ukrainians have become part of the story of Cavan,” he said.

Times of crisis

The Ukrainian response was one of several examples highlighted during CCLD’s 30th anniversary celebration at the Cavan Crystal Hotel last week.

For Cavan County Council Chief Executive Eoin Doyle, another recent example came during Storm Éowyn, when the county was left without electricity and concerns grew for vulnerable people without access to essential services.

Working with the local authority, CCLD helped establish dozens of community hubs.

“I remember it was around 8am on the Monday morning, and by the end of the day, those centres were established,” Mr Doyle said. “That sort of support is invaluable.”

He also pointed to CCLD’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic as further evidence of its ability to react quickly when communities face an emergency.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, CCLD Chief Executive Terry Hyland said that agility has become central to the organisation’s role.

“Whether it was COVID, whether it was the Ukrainian war, we’ve always been able to be agile and flexible, and we have to continue to be that way,” he said.

Mr Hyland has been part of that story for much of the organisation’s development. He initially joined as an Enterprise Officer, later becoming Social Inclusion Manager before taking up the role of CEO in January 2018.

Looking ahead, he identifies climate change, artificial intelligence and economic shocks arising from international conflict among the issues likely to influence CCLD’s work.

“We have to be able to move with the times as well and stay relevant.”

Themes of adaptability, partnership and responding to local need ran throughout the anniversary event.

The celebration began with an exhibition showcasing the work of community groups supported by CCLD, followed by an opening address from Chairperson Steve Corrigan and a video address from Minister Niamh Smyth.

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council Carmel Brady and Mr Doyle also addressed the gathering.

Minister Smyth placed CCLD’s 30-year milestone within a wider context, paying tribute to Mr Hyland, his staff, board members and volunteers, saying their work had made a “real difference” to people’s lives and communities across Cavan.

“Behind every programme or funding announcement is an individual, a small business or a community that has been given an opportunity,” she said. “That is the real story and the real success of 30 years of CCLD.”

Making a difference

CCLD Chair Ste Corrigan said the anniversary was about more than simply marking the passage of time.

“It is an opportunity to recognise what has been accomplished together through the care, commitment and dedication of the CCLD team, and through the strong partnerships that have been built along the way.”

Cllr Brady meanwhile highlighted how CCLD has helped communities identify opportunities, overcome challenges and create positive and lasting change.

For Mr Doyle, the relationship between the council and CCLD has become an example of what effective local partnership can achieve.

“It is very clear to say that County Cavan is a much better place today because of the work of CCLD over the last 30 years,” he said. “I regard the relationship that Cavan County Council has with CCLD as a trailblazer and a role model nationally.”

Broadening role

The anniversary programme further demonstrated just how broad CCLD’s remit has become.

Social inclusion featured prominently, with Ms Sakala’s Ukrainian support presentation followed by Jackie Broxton of the Community Connection Project, who explored the theme of “Using AI for Good!”

Videos from the Cavan Disability Network and the HSE’s Section 39 Older Persons programme were followed by presentations on the Rural Social Scheme and Rural Recreation alongside one on LEADER by Elaine Halpin, RDP/LEADER Manager.

The programme then turned to employment and participation as SICAP Development Officer Pamela Carney presented Rural Revive, followed by introductions to the Tús Initiative and WorkAbility.

Health and wellbeing completed the programme, with Sláintecare Healthy Communities showcased through work around community food and nutrition, social prescribing and parenting.

The formal programme concluded with a performance by a Ukrainian singing group.

As CCLD looks towards its next chapter, Mr Hyland said the organisation’s focus must remain firmly on the people and communities it serves.

“We have to have the needs of people as our primary focus, and continue looking to that as our goal. If we do that, we can’t go far wrong.”