Western Development Commission

Through the WDC-led DIBEST project, Galway Trails strengthened its digital presence, improved its booking journey and increased engagement with potential visitors. At a glance Location: Galway | Sector: Tourism / Tour Guiding | Support: Digital strategy, SEO, website and online booking | Impact: Increased booking enquiries and visitor engagement Galway Trails is a tour guiding business founded by qualified Fáilte Ireland Tourist Guide Jim Ward.

This year’s programme saw a cohort of Ireland’s leading creative startups exhibit at EDGE26: Ireland’s Creative Economy Summit, held in Galway on 21st May 2026, where they showcased their businesses to investors, industry leaders and the wider creative ecosystem before the national winner was selected by the CBC Ireland jury in late July.

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Teresa Hooks as Head of Connected Hubs and Digital Innovation. Connected Hubs, Ireland’s national hub network, is managed by the WDC on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Access to health services is an important focus for regional development, playing a key role in quality of life and the well-being of communities, which in turn influences social and economic growth. Access to quality health services is identified (alongside access to quality childcare and education) as a Strategic Outcome under the National Planning Framework (NPF).

The Western Development Commission (WDC) was proud to participate in the 10th Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient, France, joining business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the Celtic nations to explore opportunities for greater regional collaboration and economic growth.

Connected Hubs and the Contemporary Irish Art Society (CIAS) have once again been shortlisted in the prestigious Business to Arts Awards, this time in the CBRE Creativity in the Workplace category. The nomination recognises the continued success of Art in the Hubs, a partnership between Connected Hubs, delivered by the Western Development Commission on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the Contemporary Irish Art Society.

The Creative Business Cup Ireland programme is returning for 2026, with CREW continuing as Ireland’s national partner in collaboration with the Western Development Commission (WDC). The programme will identify one outstanding creative business to represent Ireland at the Creative Business Cup Global Finals, where entrepreneurs from around the world showcase innovative ideas, build international connections and compete on an international stage.

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has received two finalist nominations in the Cross-Government Collaboration & Integration Award category at the Irish eGovernment Awards 2026, recognising the organisation’s commitment to partnership, innovation and delivering positive outcomes through collaboration. The category celebrates projects that bring together government agencies, the private sector and civil society to address complex challenges through integrated approaches and shared expertise.

Connected Hubs, Ireland’s national network of remote working and enterprise hubs, invites hub members and managers, entrepreneurs and business owners to a free webinar designed to help organisations grow sustainably while keeping costs low Taking place on Wednesday, 22 July at 11am, Lean for Longer: Practical Ways to Grow Without Increasing Costs will bring together experts in workforce development, business leadership and emerging technologies, to share practical strategies that help...

Small tourism businesses along Europe’s Atlantic coastline are increasingly operating in a fast-changing environment, where visitors expect seamless digital experiences while destinations themselves are under pressure to become more sustainable and competitive. The West and Northwest of Ireland is no exception to these conditions. The Digital Innovation for Blue Enterprises and Social Tourism (DIBEST) project was developed in response to these challenges.