Footfall at Greencastle Community Centre increases by 12% over 12 months

Greencastle Community Centre’s footfall has increased by 12% over 12 months and long-term tenancies have doubled in the same period.

The centre’s annual report for 2023 says that the year was one of “significant growth”

which saw the introduction of several new activities to the varied schedule of courses, classes and workshops. 

With support from Donegal ETB, Donegal County Council, Changemakers and Inishowen Development Partnership, the centre met the training needs of over 700 learners throughout Inishowen. 

The report says that renewed investment from Donegal County Childcare Committee and Slaintecare saw the continued provision of popular pre-school and after-school activities that have developed further in 2024. 

During the year the centre launched the identity initiative and partnered with Change X and Moville Community College, facilitated several healthy food made easy programmes through Inishowen Development Partnership and successfully expanded learning opportunities to cater to a wider range of interests and demographics.

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Ongoing programs such as The Connected Project and Musical Memories experienced a surge in participation, demonstrating their continued value to the community.

The centre continued its support of defective concrete block-affected families in 2023 with a range of mental health supports as well as information evenings and community events. 

The report said that funding and financial sustainability is “a continued challenge” the centre faces.

The centre is based in the former  Drumaweir National School and it has received funding for maintenance projects for ther building.

“Preserving and maintaining this ageing building has its own problems with considerable funding needed annually to alleviate the burden of maintenance costs and ensure the longevity of our valuable community asset,” the annual report said.

Centre manager Susan McAleer said in the report that 2023  was “a period of significant growth and achievement, marked by a dedicated team, enthusiastic community participation, and the successful launch of several new initiatives”.

She said the upgrade of important safety aspects within the centre improved its ability to serve its residents and accessibility upgrades are planned for this year funded by Donegal County Council’s Enhancement Programme.

The centre fostered strong relationships with local organisations in 2023 and hosted successful community events which further strengthened the centre's role as a central hub.

Greencastle Community Centre manager Susan McAleer

“2023 was a year of remarkable progress for Greencastle Community Centre,” she said. “I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work displayed by our staff and volunteers. With their continued commitment and the ongoing support of our community, we look forward to an even brighter future.”

Chair of the centre, Catherine Gillespie, said the centre has “a responsibility to be an advocate for the ever-changing needs of our community”. 

“In order to do that we need to be well informed and work collaboratively with a range of voluntary and statutory organisations, alongside our staff and volunteers to deliver the best offer we possibly can,” she said.

“As we look forward with confidence to the future we will build on our strengths, draw upon our experience to date and use the knowledge and connections we have made to ensure that Greencastle Community Centre is a place which is very much a hub of community activity and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, develop and gather together.