€215,195 to benefit social enterprise projects in Donegal

Thirteen groups and organisations in Donegal have been allocated a total of €215,195 under Dormant Accounts Funding (DAF).

The allocations will support diverse initiatives - from renovating community spaces and installing renewable energy systems to improving recreational facilities and supporting local social enterprises.

They are Letterkenny Community Centre, €72,816; Cairde le Cheile, €5,000; Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, €9,968; Ballyshannon Leisure Centre, €11,300; White Oaks Acorn Project, €13,221; Colgan Community & Resource Centre, €15,000; Fort Dunree Military Museum, €9,675; Muff Community Development, €15,000; Donegal Railway Restoration, €14,600; Rossnakill Community Hub, €6,515; Association for the development of Pettigo & Tullyhommon CLG, €14,664; Muileann Coirce Leitir Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn, €14,965 and Creeslough Community Centre, €12,471

The largest grant of €72,816.93 was awarded to Letterkenny Community Centre CLG and will be used to upgrade their current marquee to a permanent modular building. This year-round multi-functional space is set to become a vital hub for local events and community activities.

Substantial support has also been directed toward enhancing sustainability and accessibility. Muff Community Development Co-operative Society Ltd received €15,000 to improve the energy efficiency of an activity space located in Muff Community Park. Colgan Community & Resource Centre Ltd was granted the same amount to install an automatic door access system and upgrade the CCTV infrastructure, boosting both accessibility and security for users.

Several other groups are making notable strides in improving inclusion and disability access. Ballyshannon Leisure Centre Management Company was allocated €11,300 to install mobility aids and upgrade their disabled changing room to meet current standards. Fort Dunree Military Museum CLG received €9,675 to install a new wheelchair lift in the Saldanha Suite building, ensuring all visitors can fully engage with the site’s exhibitions and events.

Even smaller grants are set to have a significant local impact. Cairde Le Cheile Committee Ltd received €5,000 to renovate floors, install new fire doors, and repaint interior spaces to ensure safety and create a more welcoming environment. Rossnakill Community Hub CLG was awarded €6,515 for the purchase of laptops, a laser printer, and a portable mic and sound system that will support events and digital services offered by the hub.

Sustainability was a recurring theme across many of the funded projects. County Donegal Railway Restoration CLG (Donegal Railway Museum) received €14,600 to install solar panels that will reduce energy bills and promote environmental sustainability. White Oaks Acorn Project was granted €13,221 to revitalize their organic farm shop, upgrade building infrastructure, and add garden lighting, creating a more engaging social environment.

Rural and social development initiatives also featured prominently. Bluestack Special Needs Foundation CLG received €9,968 for groundworks, new signage, and fridges to enhance food storage and customer flow. Muileann Coirce Leitir CLG was awarded €14,965 to carry out groundworks, and purchase a lawnmower and office container, thereby improving accessibility and the ongoing maintenance of their social enterprise.

Further funding included €14,664 awarded to the Association for the Development of Pettigo & Tullyhommon CLG to enhance recreational activities at the Termon Complex. Creeslough Community Association CLG received €12,471 to install an access ramp, furnish the space with chairs and tables, set up a kitchenette, install an interactive screen and blinds, enhance CCTV coverage, and develop a community website to support future growth.

This round of funding represents a major step forward for community infrastructure across Donegal. It reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion, and ensures that local organisations can continue to serve as vital lifelines for the people and communities they support.

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"Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society, so I’m delighted to see funding of €215,195 for social enterprises in Donegal," Senator Nikki Bradley said.

“The purpose of this fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental or economic objectives. Nationwide, €4 million is being invested in social enterprises to be used for building works, repairs, refurbishments, or for the purchase of new machinery, vehicles or equipment.

“We have all seen the invaluable work carried out by social enterprises across Donegal and I am delighted to see support for these vital organisations."

The allocation is a part of a €4 million investment to support social enterprises across the county announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer.

Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue said: “Dormant Accounts Funding is an important source of support for local groups that do such great work in our communities.” I’m glad to see that 13 of the 125 groups that are receiving funding nationally are in Donegal. I thank both Ministers Calleary and Buttimer and their teams for their assistance in securing funding for the local groups. I know these allocations will be warmly received by those involved and the funding will be put to good use.

“I am aware of the important role social enterprises play in our county and it’s good to see them getting the support they need and deserve."