The Department’s policy and operations involve working closely with Local Authorities, particularly as regards the work of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and in the development/implementation of Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs).  The Department also holds policy functions relating to Libraries Development.

The Department has a critically important interface with the community and voluntary sector. In that role, it provides a key conduit for Government in its relationships with the community and voluntary sector. This includes the co-development of responses to rural and community development issues, supporting the role of volunteering and the development of community-led social supports.