Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) extends its warm congratulations to its representative on the European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD), Terry Keenan on his election to the ELARD governing Council. Keenan who is also Chairman of ILDN member FORUM Connemara, was elected to ELARD’s governing Council at its AGM held virtually on December 9th 2020.
ELARD is an international non-profit association set up to improve the quality of life in rural
areas and to maintain their population through sustainable, integrated local development. The distinctive feature of ELARD is that it brings together organisations committed to involving all stakeholders in rural development at a local level. The European LEADER Association joins together almost 2200 Local Action Groups, Local Development Companies and Fisheries Local Action Groups from 26 countries, including from countries that are not members of the European Union but have adopted and are implementing the LEADER methodology.
Welcoming the election result, ILDN Chairman, Jim Finn said; “It is a distinct honour for the Irish Local Development Network, and its 35 Local Development Companies who deliver the LEADER Programme in Ireland, to have its representative elected to the Council of ELARD. Terry is a leading figure in community development in Galway and an important member of the ILDN. His rich experience and unique perspective in the area of rural development will be of significant benefit to the ELARD Council. It is also positive to have an Irish voice included in such a significant forum.”
