Mayo man appointed chair of Local Development Companies Network

Thomas Fitzpatrick, chairperson of South West Mayo Development Company, has been appointed to the chair of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), the national network of local development companies in Ireland.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Fitzpatrick said: "I am very pleased to make the transition from LDCN vice-chairperson to take up the chairperson role. As LDCN chair, I will champion the important issues facing rural and urban areas across Ireland.

“LDCN member companies employ over 2,500 people implementing almost 100 programmes to support our people, place, and planet through an integrated approach to local development."

Dr. Carol Baumann, LDCN CEO, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Thomas Fitzpatrick as chairperson of the Network. This is a critical role for local development companies all over Ireland and we are entrusted with representing the interests of their communities at national level.

“Thomas brings with him many years’ experience as a committed volunteer in south west Mayo, and I look forward to working with him.”

Mr. Fitzpatrick is the current chairperson of South West Mayo Development Company, the primary local development company in south and west Mayo.

Representing the farming sector, Thomas is the Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) nominee to the SWMDC board.