The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body that has promoted the social and economic development of the Western region since 1997, covering Counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare.

Our WDC Investment Fund of €88 million provides loans and equity to businesses and local communities in the region. In 2022, the fund disbursed over €9.3m across 39 projects, including SMEs, community/social enterprise, and strategic projects. We work with EU partners to access funds for projects that test ideas, support niche areas of development, and build relationships with stakeholders across other EU member states. These projects support the remit and strategic aim of the organisation by bringing knowledge, funding, and partnerships that can impact the region.

Our policy analysis team looks at the long-term trends, challenges and solutions to affect or improve the quality of life in the Western region. We also make submissions on a range of local and national issues.

Promoting the region globally is a crucial aspect of our mission, we create content to highlight the benefits of living in, moving to, and working in the West of Ireland including the video series More to Life, podcasts Pulse of the West and the TV show Moving West on TG4.

Our jobs portal WesternJobs.ie connects jobseekers and employers in the West of Ireland, and, with the Department of Rural and Community Development, ConnectedHubs.ie, simplifies sourcing and booking spaces and events in hubs across Ireland. Our team provides a vehicle for individual hubs to come together under a shared identity to maximise the economic opportunity of remote working.