The Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) has welcomed the publication of the National Social Enterprise Policy by highlighting the potential benefits it could bring to the county.
Ireland’s first ever Social Enterprise Policy was published this month to provide support for social enterprise in three key areas: building awareness, growing and strengthening Social Enterprise and improving policy alignment.
DLDC Chairperson Patsy McGonagle said that the sector had been seeking a supportive framework for many years such as this and congratulated the Department of Rural & Community Development for bringing it to completion.
Mr McGonagle commented: “Donegal is highly reliant on social enterprise yet has the potential to create many more services and jobs in the sector.
“According to a 2013 Forfás report, nationally the social enterprise sector supports over 25,000 jobs but has the potential to create at least a further 65,000. Before now, a framework has been lacking to drive this potential.”
Donegal Local Development CLG delivers extensive social enterprise supports alongside other programmes such as LEADER, Local Employment Services, the national social inclusion programme (SICAP), Tús, and the Rural Social Scheme to individuals and community groups annually.
Patsy added, “with staff dedicated to assist social enterprises, DLDC will play a central role in ensuring the success of the new Policy.”
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