Donegal Local Development CLG welcomes new members to Board of Directors

Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) has welcomed four new members to the Board of Directors.

DLDC’s Board of Directors is the ultimate decision-making body within the organisation, comprising of representatives from the community and voluntary sector, social partners, statutory agencies and public representatives, devising and implementing solutions to help make communities in Donegal more sustainable and support those most in need.

Following Community Elections in July 2025, two community representatives from the North and South of DLDC’s catchment area were elected to the Board of Directors. They each bring a diverse wealth of experience, strengthening DLDC’s capacity to build a more inclusive and resilient Donegal.

The new Board of Directors members are Fred Gallagher, a member of the Kilmacrennan Community Development Group/ Extra Time Thrift Shop, Fred Gallagher is a committed community leader and social entrepreneur. He has launched several innovative ventures in his local community and is also a founding member of Kilmacrennan Celtic FC.

Emma Lou Kerr, affiliated to Milford and District Resource Centre, Emma Lou Kerr, is dedicated to enhancing lives and wellbeing, focusing on advocating for improved services and empowering individuals to have a voice in shaping them. She is a founding member of United Against Racism Donegal.

Emma Lou Kerr

Leonard Molloy is a founding member and current Chairperson of the Narin, Portnoo, Rosbeg Community Co-Operative Society Limited. A keen climate activist, he has been instrumental in delivering several projects to the local area, including Donegal’s first ‘Changing Places’ facility at Narin Blue Flag Beach.

Leonard Molloy

Former Donegal County Councillor, Barry Sweeny has been entrenched in community development for years, with vast experience working with communities to deliver solutions and secure funding where a difference is needed.

Barry Sweeny

Paul Hannigan, DLDC Chairman, said: “Now is a really important time for DLDC’s Board of Directors, and I welcome the new members who are joining at such a critical time for the development of the organisation. I look forward to working with them in the future.”

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DLDC CEO Padraic Fingleton, said: “Fred, Emma, Leonard and Barry will be central to decisions that affect people within communities in Donegal and relaying important messaging from DLDC to the local community groups they represent.”

DLDC would like to thank its outgoing Board members, Natalie Lough, Michael McMullen and Benny Treaty, who were vital assets during their tenure.