Promoting local initiative through a community development competition

A significant thrust toward self-reliant development was initiated by local community groups in Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas of Ireland in the late 1960s. Although Gaeltarra Eireann (established in 1957 to promote industrial activities in the Gaeltacht) concentrated on attracting exogenous investment to the area, it also sought to promote a parallel and complementary programme of local development. A community development competition (CDC) is a novel means of encouraging local communities to attempt self-help initiatives. The CDC provides cash prizes for the communities adjudged to have made the greatest progress on various specified fronts during the period of adjudication. Evaluation of the CDC reveals many shortcomings and contradictions. However, the predominant view among Gaeltacht communities and its main sponsor is that the CDC is well worthwhile. The importance of allocating sufficient resources to it is stressed. So too is the need to place the CDC in an overall community development framework and to co-ordinate activities being promoted through it with other activities. The CDC is a limited instrument and only a comprehensive community development programme can realistically be expected to successfully promote self-reliant development among local communities.