Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special event, marking a significant milestone. The event was attended by community groups, agency partners, and government representatives.
The anniversary celebration highlighted three decades of dedicated work supporting communities across Donegal through initiatives focused on rural innovation, employment assistance, social enterprise development, and inclusion.
Held at DLDC’s Letterkenny office, the event looked back on the organisation’s evolution since its establishment in 1995 and its current role as a key local partner in achieving national goals for rural development, social inclusion, and climate action.
Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Charlie McConalogue TD, addressed attendees, commending DLDC’s lasting impact.
He stated, “DLDC has been a cornerstone of community development in Donegal for three decades. Its efforts to empower individuals, support families, and strengthen rural communities align with our Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and balanced regional development. This anniversary not only celebrates the past but also serves as a potent reminder of the crucial role of local leadership in shaping our national future.”
Paul Hannigan, Chair of DLDC, reflected on the organisation’s journey and its future direction:
“This milestone provides an opportunity to acknowledge the thousands of individuals and organisations who have collaborated with us over the past three decades. DLDC’s core principle has always been putting people first — whether through job placement assistance, social enterprise support, or addressing emerging challenges such as climate action or migration. Our success is founded on trust, collaboration, and a conviction in the strength of local communities,” he said.
Padraic Fingleton, CEO of DLDC, recognized the dedication of the organisation’s staff and partners, as well as the communities they serve.
“We are extremely proud of DLDC’s accomplishments over the past thirty years, but we are even more enthusiastic about the future. Our work continues to adapt to complex challenges — from cost-of-living pressures to environmental sustainability — and we are dedicated to remaining values-driven, community-focused, and impact-oriented. This anniversary celebrates everyone who has contributed to our journey.”
DLDC continues to be instrumental in delivering programs like the LEADER rural development program, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Local Area Employment Services (LAES), Tús, Rural Social Schemes, social enterprise support, and climate action initiatives, ensuring that Donegal’s communities have the resources and assistance needed to prosper in the years to come.
Donegal Local Development CLG celebrates 30 years of community impact was last modified: July 30th, 2025 by
