The Western Development Commission (WDC) has published “Connected Communities, Global Relationships” a new report on research carried out by their Policy Team on diaspora engagement in the West and Northwest of Ireland. Emigration has been one of the defining forces in the history of the West and Northwest of Ireland and that experience has shaped our society, our economy and our sense of identity.
The research gives a much clearer picture of who is doing the connecting, about the nature and geography of these relationships and about the success stories and challenges. It also gives a much clearer idea of the kind of supports or initiatives which could enable that work to become more coordinated, effective and sustainable.
The report is the first comprehensive regional study of its kind and examines how people and organisations in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare work to build meaningful links with people overseas who retain family, cultural, professional and emotional connections to the region.
Central to the report are nine case studies of diaspora engagement which, taken together, provide rich insights into how engagement is happening on the ground across a wide range of groups and organisations.
Three of the case studies have local connection.
One is from Eastern Harps here, Global Irish Famine Way here and Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea here.
Led by WDC Policy Analyst Dr. Aisling Moroney, the research findings highlight significant opportunities for community development, tourism growth, talent attraction, skills exchange and stronger international connectivity across the region.
The WDC will host a public webinar on 2 June at 11:00am to explore the report findings and discuss how communities, agencies and diaspora networks can work together to build the next phase of engagement across the region.
You can read the full report here.
