Leitrim Launches 5-Year Strategy to Strengthen Links With Global Diaspora

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 this week at Margaret of New Orleans Birthplace, an authentic 19^th 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, a key element of Leitrim’s Diaspora Strategy.  An online resource containing genealogy and heritage resources, as well as information on tourism destinations, cultural and sporting events and business networks, the Leitrim Diaspora Gateway is intended for people living abroad, those who have returned to Ireland and anyone exploring a family, ancestral or personal connection with Leitrim.

Leitrim’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030builds on Leitrim County Council’s previous diaspora plan, which ran 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. 

Family and heritage initiatives include the Margaret of New Orleans Diaspora Award, which will recognise outstanding contributions of a member of the Leitrim diaspora. The award is inspired by Margaret Haughery, who was born in 1813 and emigrated to the United States as a child. She later became one of New Orleans’ best-known philanthropists. A replica of her childhood cottage, near her original homeplace in Tully, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim, made a fitting venue for the strategy launch. 

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 Cllr 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. 

Leitrim County Council Chief Executive Joseph Gilhooly said: “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. The strategy brings together a range of established programmes and proposed initiatives to support that ambition.

“Central to this work is the Leitrim Diaspora Gateway. By bringing heritage resources, events and opportunities for engagement together in one place, it will give people around the world a clear and accessible way to renew and strengthen their connection with Leitrim.”