Inishowen social enterprise organisations receive funding to expand services

A wide range of community-focused organisations across Inishowen have received a significant funding boost aimed at enhancing accessibility, energy efficiency, inclusivity, and public engagement through infrastructural upgrades and service expansions.

The allocations from the Dorman Accounts Fund Growing Social Enterprise Fund will support diverse initiatives from renovating community spaces and installing renewable energy systems to improving recreational facilities and supporting local social enterprises.

Substantial support has also been directed toward enhancing sustainability and accessibility. Muff Community Development Co-operative Society Ltd received €15,000 to improve the energy efficiency of an activity space located in Muff Community Park and Colgan Community & Resource Centre Ltd has been granted the same amount to install an automatic door access system and upgrade the CCTV infrastructure, boosting both accessibility and security for users.

Fort Dunree Military Museum CLG received €9,675 to install a new wheelchair lift in the Saldanha Suite building, ensuring all visitors can fully engage with the site’s exhibitions and events.

Sustainability was a recurring theme across many of the funded projects.

White Oaks Acorn Project was granted €13,221 to revitalise their organic farm shop, upgrade building infrastructure, and add garden lighting, creating a more engaging social environment.

A total of 12 projects in Donegal will benefit from the Dorman Accounts Fund Growing Social Enterprise Fund to a tune of €215,000.

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Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue said: “Dormant Accounts Funding is an important source of support for local groups that do such great work in our communities.”

 “I’m glad to see that 13 of the 125 groups that are receiving funding nationally are in Donegal. I thank both Ministers Calleary and Buttimer and their teams for their assistance in securing funding for the local groups. I know these allocations will be warmly received by those involved and the funding will be put to good use.

 “I am aware of the important role social enterprises play in our county and it’s good to see them getting the support they need and deserve,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.

Senator Nikki Bradley said: “Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society, so I’m delighted to see funding of €215,195 for social enterprises in Donegal,” she said.

“The purpose of this fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental or economic objectives.

“Nationwide, €4 million is being invested in social enterprises to be used for building works, repairs, refurbishments, or for the purchase of new machinery, vehicles or equipment. We have all seen the invaluable work carried out by social enterprises across Donegal and I am delighted to see support for these vital organisations.”