A new report by the Donegal Local Development CLg (DLDC) highlights the incredible contribution of Donegal’s community groups and volunteers during the second year of the pandemic.
The DLDC annual report 2021 was launched this week, detailing the positive work being done towards community and rural development, labour market activation, social inclusion, climate action and social enterprise services in Donegal.
Key highlights from the Annual Report 2021 include:
- 262: people placed in various part-time, full-time and self-employment roles
- €791,500 of LEADER funding was claimed by projects in Donegal
- €2.2m: investment in Donegal in the form of programme staff time and programme initiatives
- 419: participated in job activation and social inclusion schemes
- 474: new volunteers placed in community organisations
- 46: social enterprises benefitted from intensive one-to-one support, including strategic and business planning, governance and fundraising
- €684,720: external funding secured by social enterprises with DLDC support
- 109: community groups supported to tackle social exclusion
- 128: people who improved their employability skills
- 268: people participated in lifelong learning workshops
Donegal Local Development CLg (DLDC) staff launch the 2021 Annual Report
Patsy McGonagle, Chairman, DLDC said: “At the heart of every community in Donegal, social enterprises, community groups, and volunteers delivered services and supports to the most disadvantaged, marginalised, and isolated members of society in 2021. They mobilised in the face of mounting social isolation during the most challenging lockdown periods. As we now move from a period of crisis to recovery and reconnection, we need our communities to be inclusive, resilient, and equipped to deal with the toughest challenges. Volunteering is the key to making this happen. I greatly encourage people to share their time and talent to support their local community group. When those with local knowledge are motivated to deal with local problems, communities thrive. We have more significant influence and achieve a far wider-reaching impact by working together.”
Padraic Fingleton, CEO, DLDC said: “2021 was another remarkable year for community and voluntary groups. It was also a tough year for many of us, both professionally and personally. As we worked through the second year of the pandemic, we saw new challenges arise to replace those before them. However, Donegal community groups proved their extraordinary resilience and adaptability and volunteers turned out in force to do whatever they could to help. It is important that we recognise and celebrate that contribution.”
The full report is available to read at www.dldc.org.
