In pictures: Donegal Local Development CLG launches Social Enterprise Strategy

Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) has launched its Social Enterprise Strategy 2025-2028. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

L-R: DLDC Community Development Manager Martin McDevitt, Dr Isobel Cunningham Atlantic Technological University, DLDC Chairman Paul Hannigan, DLDC CEO Padraic Fingleton

The strategy reflects a shared vision for a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable Donegal, building on recent achievements while reaffirming DLDC’s commitment to supporting Social Enterprises as vital drivers of community development, inclusion, and innovation. 

DLDC’s strategic priorities for the next three years aim to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of Social Enterprises through innovative partnerships, diverse funding models, and collaboration with the private sector as well as third-level institutions. By connecting social enterprises with corporate partners, learner talent, and opportunities for employee volunteering, DLDC will help them access new skills, resources, and funding. In addition, a focus on circular economy initiatives will further promote environmental sustainability, social impact, and community resilience.

At the heart of this work is the Social Enterprise Network Donegal (SEND), a vibrant, countywide network of enterprises tackling local needs and building stronger, more connected communities.  

DLDC Chairperson, Paul Hannigan says: “I would like to thank the dedicated DLDC team and all those who contributed to this important work. Through their efforts, DLDC has evolved into a one-stop shop for community organisations, offering support in areas such as strategic planning, governance, succession planning, volunteering, and sustainability.” 

This new strategy follows DLDC’s first dedicated Social Enterprise Strategy, which guided actions from 2022 to 2024. Over the last three years, Social Enterprises have responded to many challenges, including new arrivals into communities, the cost-of-living crisis, changes to funding models, a reduction in volunteers, and an increased focus on climate awareness.  

Martin McDevitt, DLDC Community Development Manager says: “The strategy has been shaped by valuable partnerships with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal, Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI), Western Development Commission (WDC) and Irish Social Enterprise Network (ISEN), whose engagement has ensured that local voices have informed our priorities.”

Social Enterprises provide essential services and activities across their communities, trade on a not-for-profit basis, and are often governed by a committee of volunteers. DLDC is committed to supporting these committees and social enterprises. This obligation is fulfilled through key government-funded programmes, such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).