Thanks to Údarás na Gaeltachta and Donegal County Council, both Donegal Digital project partners, two enterprise and tourism projects in the county are set to benefit from €3.2 million in funding.

Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair, in Gweedore, will receive €1.5 million to refurbish the top floor of the building and to ensure that it is available for enterprise units and potential new businesses and, also, for the community. In that way, Údarás na Gaeltachta will complete the undeveloped top floor level to add a further 1,725 sq.m of new work space/offices. "We would like to welcome this capital funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development for the completion of these important rural projects. These projects will significantly add to the opportunities available to the rural communities in these areas to access employment in their own area or for the Gaeltacht Diaspora to return to their native place", mentions Micheál Ó hÉanaigh, Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO. 

After the announcement of the fund this morning, Minister Joe McHugh for Education and Skills has said that it has been "a phenomenal increase" regarding the multinational companies interested in coming into Gweedore. "It is becoming a very important location for the entire North West". 

In total, 8 applications were submitted in Donegal County in this call. Nevertheless, Minister Joe McHugh has added that: "it is important to point out that this is a €55 million fund for 2019. We are only announcing €24 million this morning so there will be further €31 million to be announced at the beginning of the year". He stated that there are other live applications in Donegal County and they will be "keeping a very close eye on those over the next months".

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
As part of Project Ireland 2040 policy initiative, the Government has committed to provide an additional €1 billion for a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over the period 2019 to 2027. "The Fund will provide investment to support rural renewal for suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas". According to Rural Regeneration and Development Fund official website, "it is currently expected that a second call for applications for the Fund will take place in mid-2019".

For more information, listen to Minister Joe Mc Hugh talking with Highland Radio or read the press release from Údarás na Gaeltachta.