Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) is a community-led organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people and communities across County Donegal. Established in 1995, we have over 25 years of experience delivering social inclusion, employment, rural development, and community support programmes to those who need them most.
We are a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, governed by a voluntary Board of Directors drawn from community and voluntary groups, social partners, local government, and state bodies. This social partnership model ensures that the people we serve have a voice in how we work.
Our mission is simple: to create real opportunity. We act as a bridge between local communities, state agencies, and the private sector, securing resources, building partnerships, and delivering programmes that bring about meaningful, lasting change.
Governed by a voluntary Board rooted in the communities we serve, ensuring local voices shape every decision.
Over 25 years of experience delivering support programmes across County Donegal.
We connect individuals and communities with state agencies, employers, and the private sector to unlock opportunity.
Our programmes are co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union, ensuring broad and lasting reach.
At DLDC, we believe that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves access to opportunity. Since our foundation in 1995, that belief has guided everything we do.
We are proud to lead an organisation that brings together committed staff, dedicated volunteers, and a board of directors who genuinely care about the future of County Donegal. Our work is only possible because of the trust communities place in us, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering programmes that respond to real needs, supporting people into employment, helping communities grow, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
— Padraic Fingleton, CEO & Paul Hannigan, Chairman
DLDC serves communities across the majority of County Donegal, one of Ireland’s largest and most geographically diverse counties. Our work spans urban towns, rural villages, and coastal communities, with offices in Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Gweedore, Ballyshannon, Killybegs, and Kilcar, ensuring that support is always accessible locally.
Our primary catchment area covers all of County Donegal, with the exception of the Inishowen Peninsula, which is served by Inishowen Development Partnership. However, several of our programmes, including the Volunteer Centre, the Traveller Job Coach, and the Rural Recreation Programme, extend to serve the entire county.
No matter where you are in Donegal, we are here.
Getting support starts with a single conversation. Contact us by phone, email, or visit one of our local offices — our team is ready to listen, no complicated process required.
Every person and community is different. We take the time to understand your situation and goals, so we can identify the supports and programmes that are right for you.
Together, we put a clear, practical plan in place — whether that’s a training pathway, a community development project, or steps toward self-employment. You lead, we guide.
Our team stays with you throughout the journey, providing ongoing guidance, resources, and encouragement until your goals are within reach.
