- Leitrim County Council launches five-year diaspora strategy on 5 August 2026
- Strategy organised around four pillars: Tourism, Community, Enterprise and Heritage
- Leitrim Diaspora Gateway online resource launched with genealogy and tourism information
- Visit Leitrim app to support diaspora visitors with accommodation and event details
- Leitrim Global Business Network to connect local enterprises with diaspora professionals
Leitrim County Council has launched a new five-year strategy aimed at strengthening the county’s relationship with its global diaspora and creating new opportunities for tourism, enterprise and cultural exchange. Rooted in Leitrim, Growing Global Connections: Leitrim’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030 was launched on Wednesday 5 August at Margaret of New Orleans Birthplace, an authentic 19th century Irish cottage built in honour of Irish emigrant and philanthropist Margaret Haughery. The strategy sets out a programme of initiatives designed to encourage people with Leitrim connections to visit the county, collaborate with local communities, support enterprise and participate in Leitrim’s cultural life.
The event at Margaret’s Cottage also saw the launch of the Leitrim Diaspora Gateway, an online resource containing genealogy and heritage resources, as well as information on tourism destinations, cultural and sporting events and business networks. Leitrim’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030 builds on Leitrim County Council’s previous diaspora plan from 2019 to 2025 and is organised around four pillars: Tourism and Placemaking; Community Engagement and Cultural Events; Economic Development and Enterprise; and Family, Heritage and Connection. Key to the tourism pillar is the development and continued expansion of the Visit Leitrim app – launched earlier this year by Leitrim County Council – which will support diaspora visitors by providing up-to-date information on accommodation, restaurants, activities, attractions and events.
Other programmes are planned around business and enterprise, including the continued development of the Leitrim Global Business Network, an economic initiative established by Leitrim County Council to connect local enterprises with diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs and senior figures based in the United States, the United Kingdom and elsewhere around the world. The launch event, which was livestreamed on the Leitrim County Council Facebook page, celebrated the enduring bond between County Leitrim and people of Leitrim heritage around the world through storytelling, music and theatre. The event featured contributions from community leaders, performances by Leitrim Youth Arts and local artists, and an address by renowned author Michael Harding. Cathaoirleach Mary Bohan was joined by elected members of Leitrim County Council, representatives from the Leitrim Diaspora Steering Group and council officials as well as invited guests representing the community and diaspora to officially launch Leitrim’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030.
Joseph Gilhooly shared: “The Leitrim diaspora includes people who were born here, those with family roots in the county and others who have developed a lasting connection to Leitrim. This strategy is about turning that sense of belonging into practical opportunities for our communities, cultural life and economy. We want to make it easier for people with a connection to Leitrim to return and visit, share their knowledge and experience, support local businesses and take part in the life of the county.”
