Pobal

Pobal
Second Floor, Ormond Building,
31-36 Ormond Quay Upper
Dublin
Dublin 7

Not-For-Profit Information

Pobal works on behalf of Government to support communities and local agencies toward achieving social inclusion and development.

Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management, was established in 1992 by the Irish Government in agreement with the European Commission to manage an EU Grant for local development.

The role of Pobal today is to provide management and support services to circa 28 programmes in the areas of Social Inclusion and Equality, Inclusive Employment and Enterprise, and Early Years and Young People. We administer these programmes on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, as well as the Department of Health/HSE and a number of EU bodies. Allocating circa €695 million to local and national community organisations in 2018.

Our activities and priorities are shaped by the context and policies laid out in several reports, including but not limited to, the Programme for Government – Government for National Recovery 2011-2016, the Action Plan for Jobs, the Action Plan for Rural Development, Project Ireland 2040 and Pathways to Work.

We work in the areas of social inclusion, early childhood care and education, community development, peace and reconciliation, equality, labour market supports and education and training.

Some of the groups supported by Government through Pobal include the long term unemployed, young people, farmers / fishermen, families, Travellers, older people and ex-prisoners. We have formed alliances nationally and internationally including close working relationships with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Our work ranges from programme design to implementation support to financial administration and governance of funding allocations. We promote quality enhancement amongst local community based groups, develop programme and system management tools and work to ensure funded projects work within agreed guidelines

We also provide good practice case studies, evaluations, and demographic information that support Government Departments in making policy decisions. Tools such as Pobal Maps and the Pobal HP Deprivation Index are made freely available to allow policy makers and communities respond to needs identified by these sets of tools.

Pobal works on an all-island basis, with offices in Dublin, Monaghan, Sligo, Clifden, Letterkenny, Cork, Galway city, Limerick and Kilkenny, employing over 400 staff.

Vision

Our vision is one in which Pobal, Government and communities work effectively together to create a cohesive and inclusive society. We work to ensure that resources and supports are targeted to meet community needs. Our core role in delivering this vision is through providing an effective programme and grant management service for the Irish Government.

Mission

Our mission is to work with Government and local and national community organisations to combat social exclusion and to improve outcomes for communities, families, individuals and children. We work to provide an efficient and robust programme and grant management service for the Irish Government. This work is underpinned by high standards in accountability of allocations and financial management, and ongoing support to all those we serve.

For further information please access the Pobal website.

Number of paid employees: 
251-1000 employees
Current board size: 
14
Annual turnover: 
Over €5,000,000
Not-for-Profit focus: 
Local Community Development

Location

Office Address

Second Floor, Ormond Building,
31-36 Ormond Quay Upper
Dublin
Dublin 7