T: 074 91 27056 (Letterkenny)/ 074 97 25432 (Donegal Town)  E: info@dldc.org

Rural Social Scheme

Do you come from a farming or fishing background and are looking for work to support your income while not affecting your farming/fishing activities?

DLDC’s Rural Social Scheme offers you the chance to earn an additional income whilst contributing to your local community.

About the Programme

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides income support for farmers and fishermen/women who are currently in receipt of means assessed long-term social welfare payments.

The aim of the scheme is to:

  • Provide income support for farmers and fishermen who are currently in receipt of means assessed long-term social welfare payments.
  • Provide services of benefit to rural communities by harnessing the skills and talents available among low-income farmers and fishermen.

Participants on the scheme work 19.5 hours per week. These hours are based on a farmer/fisher-friendly schedule. This is to ensure participation on the scheme does not affect your farming/fishing activities.

DLDC employs 148 RSS staff supporting over 88 community groups and voluntary groups in over 50 villages and towns in Donegal. They undertake various jobs such as:

  • Caretaking/cleaning
  • Environmental work
  • Administrative/Clerical work
  • Childcare
  • Youth work
  • Provide services of benefit to rural communities by harnessing the skills and talents available among low-income farmers and fishermen.

Community Hands Support Team

DLDC’s Community Hands team offers support for local community groups to undertake small projects/work which otherwise would be out of their reach.

The work is carried out by RSS participants who can meet the needs of groups who require either a one-off task or extra support to existing RSS projects. 

Who is eligible for Community Hands support?

Any voluntary or charitable group are eligible to apply for assistance.

Support is available in 2 ways:

  1. The Community Hands team will come out and support you in undertaking the project for your community group. Download an Expression of Interest Form (EOI).
  2. The Community Van can be borrowed by community groups. Groups can use the van for delivering materials, moving furniture, collecting large items or materials. Download an Expression of Interest Form (EOI).

Community Groups who are interested can complete the EOI Form and email to: info@dldc.org or post to DLDC, 1 Millennium Court, Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. 

Past Projects

Find out more about this Programme...

DEASP-DLDC
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