Regional Stakeholders Advance Digital Inclusion and Smart Solutions at INSPIRE Meeting

Ballyhoura Development CLG recently hosted its fourth Regional Stakeholder Meeting as part of the INSPIRE – Innovative and Smarter Policy Instruments for Rural Europe project. The blended session, held on 11th February 2026 in Coote Hall, Kilmallock and online, brought together representatives from local government, statutory agencies, social partners, and community organisations to review progress, deepen knowledge exchange, and further strengthen collaborative efforts to support digitally inclusive rural development.

Progress to Date and Shared Learnings

The meeting opened with a full recap of INSPIRE’s activities and achievements, followed by reflections on the most recent Interregional Workshop and Study Visits in Tokaj, Hungary. Stakeholders explored innovative examples of good practice presented by European partners and discussed how these learnings can be adapted for the Ballyhoura region.

Key updates were also shared on improvements to the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), with a strong focus on digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, and strengthening social and economic participation across rural communities. Enhanced SICAP actions for 2026 have now been prepared and aligned with insights gathered through INSPIRE, with approval expected in early 2026. 

Stakeholders discussed the steps taken toward meaningful policy improvement, including identifying new areas of need within local communities and exploring models for integrating digital tools to benefit individuals, organisations, and the wider region. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration to build on shared strengths, address gaps, and develop responses informed by international best practice.
The Ballyhoura Digital Audit - conducted across the tourism and social enterprise sectors—was also highlighted, revealing a 10% gap in digital maturity compared to the EU average. 
Stakeholders expressed strong enthusiasm for upcoming knowledge exchange opportunities and welcomed the plans for the next INSPIRE partner meeting, scheduled to take place in the Ballyhoura region in May 2026. 

Looking Ahead

Participants concluded the meeting by reaffirming their collective commitment to:
  • Advancing digital inclusion within SICAP
  • Applying the Smart Villages rationale to reduce the urban–rural divide
  • Continuing to collaborate across agencies and sectors
  • Sharing best practices and lessons learned from European partners
The ongoing INSPIRE project continues to serve as a valuable platform for strengthening rural policy instruments, deepening regional cooperation, and supporting the development of vibrant, digitally confident communities across Ballyhoura and beyond. 

To find out more, visit the INSPIRE Project website below:

INSPIRE Project Website

For ongoing project updates, you can follow the project's social media accounts:

For any further information about the INSPIRE Project, please contact Nichola Grufferty at [email protected].

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