Dunkineely Community CLG is receiving a boost with a new grant to support a local Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and promote plants, wildlife and habitats.
The grant from Community Foundation Ireland in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service will ensure that the steps to protect local biodiversity will be guided by the expert knowledge of ecologists.
Paul Smith of DCL is welcoming the support saying “We are really excited to begin this next stage in our heritage programme which looks at both history and natural heritage in the area. The funds allow us to deliver a biodiversity action plan for this area of stunning beauty.”
Nationally more 94 projects are receiving support with more than 250 communities implementing local action plans since the partnership between the Community Foundation and the Parks and Wildlife Service started in 2019.
The support being provided comes from philanthropists and donors to the Foundation matched with public funding.
Making the announcement, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said: “If we are to successfully tackle our national biodiversity crisis, we must all work together. This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland is a great example of how we can empower and support community organisations to learn about their local biodiversity and use that knowledge along with their creativity to come up with a plan which is unique to their area. I’m really impressed with the range of projects involved and excited to see the outcomes of their work.”
Under the partnership the connectivity of the Foundation to local communities built up over 25-years as a philanthropic hub is matched with the expertise and knowledge of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. More than €591,000 is being provided under the current round to 94 projects.
Congratulating DCL Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said: “We are particularly proud that local efforts to protect habitats, plants and wildlife are increasingly growing into a national movement. The fact that this current grant round is impacting in every county shows the groundswell of support for biodiversity action. The partnership of the Foundation, its philanthropists and community partners together with the National Parks and Wildlife Service is effective and works. Our natural heritage is being protected for generations to come.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service added: “NPWS is delighted to work with the Community Foundation of Ireland and to support the community groups participating in enhancing their local biodiversity. This is exactly the whole-of-society approach we advocated for in the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan.”
More Community News from Dunkineely:
Christmas Lights Donations Approval
The Christmas lights in Dunkineely were once again spectacular in 2024.
This is only possible through the generous donations from the community collected from our local shops and pubs.
We raised € 100 through a prize draw and we would also like to recognise some big donations from C Bio, C fish, GAA Naomh Ultan , Macs Bar and a personal donation from Nicola Floyd.
Thanks again to all the volunteers who helped put up the lights.
St.Patrick’s Day Parade Dunkineely
The 2025 St.Patrick’s Day Parade was a major event in Dunkineely as usual.
There were around 20 floats/groups that took part and the pavements were full of people cheering them on.
Go to our website https://www.facebook.com/DunkineelyCL for more information and photos.
On the day Dunkineely Community CLG [DCL] collected € 350 for future events and projects.
We also like to thank our sponsors C Bio, C Fish, JF Repairs, Macs Bar, MacLaughlin’s Bar and Emerald hygiene and O’Donnell’s Motors who won best float and donated their prize to the collection and McIntyres for donating money to the collection.
Local Folklore
DCL introduce a 6 week course ‘Introduction to Local Folklore’. Join the course to learn about the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. Learn about legends, lores, cures and practices that define our community. Perfect for history enthusiasts, storytellers and the curious. Beginners welcome. Course takes place in Dunkineely Community Centre, from 20th March, Thursdays 6.30 – 8.30pm , total course cost is €10. Places are limited, so book your place via dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com or by calling 085 255 3225.
Dunkineely Celtic FC
All senior fixtures and results can be viewed http://www.donegaljuniorleague.ie
Lotto draw results are not available yet.
Naomh Ultan
All fixtures, results and match reports can be viewed on their website – www.naomhultan.com.
Royal Flush Weekly Lotto – 23rd March 2025 The numbers were – 27,22,30 & 10
€20 prize Winners – Brendan Mccallig, Donal Kelly & Liam Kennedy
Next week’s Jackpot Stands at €2470.
Church Services
Catholic Church: Church of St Joseph and St Conal Newsletter available online at: tiny.cc/PBNL
Church of Ireland: The Sunday service will be at 10:45am.
Methodist Church: Normal Sunday Services will be held at 10:30am in Ardara and 12 noon in Dunkineely. Meeting times will switch from Sunday 6th April.
