Convoy Blooms with DLDC DLDC continues to support the transformation and development of Convoy alongside the tremendously hard working local residents. When entering Convoy the transformation in the area is apparent. Infrastructure such as walls and bridges have been repaired by skilled craftsmen on both the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and the Tús Programme. All public and sporting amenities within the town have been enhanced by local community and sporting organisation. Work competed to date by Convoy Community & Environmental Committee includes seating areas throughout the village, the colourful butterfly garden and the award winning traffic island on the Letterkenny road. Six Convoy projects have benefited from €475K under the latest LEADER Funding Programme. Frank Kelly, DLDC RDP Manager explains: “Funding to develop the new Playground was provided under the ‘Village and Countryside Renewal’ measure and helped to provide a much needed facility for local families. Convoy is home to a mixed religious community which is reflected in the village infrastructure, funding was provided towards the regeneration of four community facilities under the ‘Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage Measure’ ”. While the funding was focussed on mainly renewal of buildings John Starrett DLDC Vice-Chair, highlighted “The main impact of the funding is the hidden benefit of strengthening community relations and encouraging rural communities to plan their long term sustainability. The funded facilities provide important community hubs that respect the history and backgrounds of those who use them and underpins efforts to create a shared future”. Local community leader, Liam Mailey has acknowledged the contribution by DLDC through their various work programmes in transforming Convoy and building the capacity of the community through DLDC’s delivery of Tús environmental initiatives. He expressed his gratitude to past and present participants employed on the various work programmes for their commitment, dedication and hard work over the past number of years. Stephen Shevlin, DLDC Rural Social Scheme/Tús Manager, has strongly advocated the hard work and continued commitment of the scheme participants and Sponsor Groups in transforming the village of Convoy in recent years. DLDC under the Local and Community Development Programme have supported a number of community groups in the Convoy area providing advice and guidance around good governance, group formation, development and access to funding with the overarching aim of encouraging people to work together to engender a better community spirit. The company supported the farming community having hosted Farm Safety events and various workshops for farm families. A number of entrepreneurs in Convoy have received support from DLDC through the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. Chris Breen from Convoy set up through this scheme a year ago and his business Donegal Creative Furnishings is growing from strength to strength. Donegal Creative Furnishings has recently completed a new outdoor playhouse and kitchen area for the local playgroup. DLDC have assisted local people who are unemployed to build their confidence and support them in developing their job seeking skills through the Regional Employment Service and the Job Club. Chris commended the support and guidance received from Collette Callaghan of DLDC and would encourage anyone with a business idea to take the next step. Donegal Volunteer Centre assists volunteers and groups in Convoy to provide and access quality volunteering roles and work experience. Volunteers have been supported to work on women’s issues and within church led groups. John Curran of the DVC stated that “It is always rewarding to see the change volunteers can bring to a community, Convoy has evolved over the past few years into a bright welcoming village, this is down to the support and voluntary efforts of the local community”. DLDC is a Local Development Partnership Company which delivers 9 programmes designed to promote, support, and engage communities in social and enterprise development, and to facilitate rural regeneration, community development and to promote the welfare of local communities. Liam Mailey, Chairperson of Convoy Community & Environmental Committee, would encourage other communities to contact DLDC for support. If you would like more information please phone 074 91 27056 or email [email protected].
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:57:38 +0000
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