In pictures: Minister visits community initiatives across Donegal

The Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, TD, visited initiatives in Donegal supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The visit began at the Letterkenny Volunteer Centre, where he met members of the Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC).

"Having Minister Buttimer visit our office was a fantastic opportunity to share with him the huge amount of work our staff do on the ground to provide help where it is needed most and to support people to overcome the barriers that exist,” DLDC CEO Padraic Fingleton said.

“It was also a valuable opportunity to showcase how DLDC is a shining example of collaboration within communities, working alongside partners, community organisations and the many volunteers we support. It was impressed upon Minister Buttimer that continued investment in Donegal is necessary to be able to continue to address the challenges the county faces."

Minister Buttimer visited several organisations supported by DLDC, including Cairde le Cheile, Donegal Railway Restoration Ltd, Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, Laghey Hall and Bundoran Community Centre, as well as our collaborative partner Donegal Intercultural Platform.

“I was delighted to visit Donegal Local Development CLG in Letterkenny, and to see first-hand the excellent work being done to support individuals and communities across Donegal through the SICAP, LEADER and Community Development Programmes, to name but a few,” Minister Jerry Buttimer said.

“Local development companies are at the heart of community life, strengthening communities and fostering a culture of volunteerism. I was particularly pleased to hear about the wide range of opportunities being created locally to improve people’s quality of life. I want to thank everyone at DLDC for their warm welcome, their commitment and the important contribution they continue to make to community development and volunteering in Donegal.”

The next stop was the Cairde Le Chéile Community Hub that provides employment and other opportunities for people with disabilities. The Hub received Department funding that supported the fully inclusive facility that serves nearly 50,000 people.

The final visit in Letterkenny was to the Donegal Intercultural Platform that received funding under the Community Development Programme to support intercultural and anti-racism awareness. The Donegal Intercultural Platform delivers several intercultural, peace and reconciliation projects under the PEACEPLUS programme.

The Minister then travelled to Donegal Town, where he visited the Donegal Railway Restoration Company. The organisation supports the operation of Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, a community museum with exhibits, audio/visual presentations, library, shop, and education programme. The centre received funding under the LEADER and Community Services Programme (CSP).

Next, he visited the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, supported by Local Enhancement Programme and CSP funding to carry out works in the community garden, a space used by Foundation members, as well as their carers, families and visitors.

Following this, the Minister travelled to Laghey Hall to view the playground, multi-use games area and sensory garden that was opened in March. The project received support from the DLDC SICAP team, in addition to ongoing developmental support from the DRCDG Social Enterprise Network, and funding under the Town and Village Scheme and Clár Programmes.

The penultimate stop on the Minister’s visit was in Bundoran Community Centre, a space that provides a variety of programs, events and activities for people of all ages and abilities. The Centre received funding under the Department’s LEADER and CSP Schemes with additional support from SICAP.

Minister Buttimer then attended the Opening Ceremony for the European Lifesaving Championship at the Water Safety Ireland Donegal Training Campus. The European Lifesaving Championships bring together clubs, athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers, and often lead to regional and world-level competition.

“The Ceremony for the European Lifesaving Championships at the Water Safety Ireland Donegal Training Campus is a momentous event that celebrates a new chapter in lifesaving training in Ireland,” Minister Buttimer said. “It is a vital step that works towards preventing the loss of lives, which can devastate families and loved ones. I extend my thanks to Water Safety Ireland and the volunteers who have helped make this important initiative a reality.”