Minister Joe McHugh has welcomed Leader funding investment of more than €130,000 in five projects in Donegal.
The groups behind the projects have been praised for their commitment to bring basic services to “hard to reach communities”
Minister McHugh said “Leader is one of the hugely important funding and support programmes that creates enormous opportunities for rural projects, small businesses and communities that need a boost, whether it is an injection of money or expertise,” Mr McHugh said.
“I am delighted to be able to announce support for a number of projects in Donegal including a €68,782 grant which is being paid to help support services for hard to reach communities through Falcarragh Development Association/Coiste Forbartha Naomh Fhionáin.
“The work and support of all those connected to Naomh Fhionáin is second to none. The local community owes a huge debt of gratitude to Paul Anthony McFadden for his tenacity and drive.
“Naomh Fhionáin is not the only organisation being supported for the work they do to support hard to reach communities with Lárionad Acmhainní Nádúrtha Teoranta in Falcarragh receiving a grant of €4,400 for health and safety training and Malin Head Community Association receiving €9,712 for upgrade of kitchen.
“On top of those projects a €32,869 grant was also sanctioned for the Inishowen River Guardians in Moville, a scheme run by the Inishowen Rivers Trust, to develop plans for natural water retention measures in selected catchments in Inishowen and to train volunteers in river management techniques.
“One final scheme being supported in this round is €15,120 for a study into the potential for the development of goat milk in Donegal by Inishowen Coop Society in Carndonagh.
“I want to wish all those behind these projects great success and look forward to seeing how the schemes when they are up and running.”
Donegal County Councillor Mickey Doherty said: “This funding is a fantastic boost. These community projects do great work in my area of Inishowen and I look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.”
Donegal County Councillor Bernard McGuinness: “I am particularly pleased to see the emphasis on supporting communities and yet again the Leader is showing how it makes a difference to everyday lives.”
The funding is being provided through the Department of Rural and Community Development under Minister Michael Ring.
Mr McHugh added: “The Leader programme is continuing to grow at a fantastic pace and great credit goes to Minister Ring for his focus on community development, not least in Donegal, and his initiatives that have helped the programme expand so rapidly and extensively. It is a massively different story from the havoc that was left on community projects in the wake of the recession.”
