Our History

January 23, 1991

GCDC Ltd incorporated

 although work had begun on the Community Centre in 1984. The centre was originally a 3-roomed primary school which was purchased by the committee from the Diocese of Derry in 1990. 

January 23, 1991

December 2009

Phases 1-4

Phase 1 was the consolidation and repairs to the existing building to make it tenable as a base for community activities.

Phase 2 was the extension to the existing school building which doubled its size with the addition of a large function room.

Phase 3 was a series of small improvements to the toilets, kitchens, etc at the rear of existing building.

Phase 4 was the building of a large multi-purpose sports hall at the rear. This was completed in December 2009.

 

December 2009

September 2010

Phases 5-6

Phase 5 was the building of rental office units, a fitness suite and 2 dedicated childcare units. Office space and fitness suite were completed in August 2010 and childcare units were completed in September 2010.

Phase 6 was the introduction of a revolutionary new heating system which uses oil from the local fishing fleet and locally grown woodchip to heat the entire building. This was completed in September 2010.

 

September 2010

Support & Funding

The Centre has been providing childcare facilities for the community since 1991.

Our first dedicated computer training suite was installed in 1998. 

In 2015 Pobal CSP allocated finding towards a full-time manager and Susan McAleer took up post in January 2016. With a dedicated manager at the helm, the Centre has been able to access both capital and operational grants through various funding streams, meaning a considerable increase in traded income, tenants, courses and Community involvement.

In 2017 LEADER funding was granted in order to update the computer suite and provide laptops, tablets, printing and scanning facilities. With the updated computer suite available full-time QQI accredited training have taken place each year since with courses such as Childcare level 5, Healthcare Level 5 and City and Guilds Business Administration.

Over the years Greencastle Community Centre has grown from strength to strength – becoming a vibrant & dynamic community hub committed to enhancing the health & wellbeing of people of all ages in the local area through education, training & support, recreational & sports activities, and sharing of information.

Capital funding has been provided by many agencies including the International Fund for Ireland, Sports Capital Fund, LEADER, Inishowen Development Partnership, Donegal Peace II Taskforce and the Ulster Community Investment Trust.

Support funders include Donegal VEC, Health Services Executive, Inishowen Partnership, IDP, Donegal Childcare Committee, the Department of Social Welfare and Pobal.

Staff funding has been provided at different times by FAS Community Employment Schemes, the Rural Social Scheme and Pobal’s Community Services Programme.

The Centre’s staff team is made up of Pobal Community Support Programme workers, local CE Scheme, Tús and RSS workers. The board of directors is made up of volunteers who take on the legal duties of charity trustees and are responsible for all governance matters in relation to the centre.

Are you looking to Volunteer?

Volunteers are a huge part of Greencastle Community Centre. We are always looking for volunteers with a passion for Community development. There are a wide variety of positions available within the Centre and we are happy to speak with you about what we offer and where you might fit in. Please contact Susan McAleer for more information.

Volunteer at the GCC

Community Centre History in Images

Community Polytunnel
Pride of Place Award Winners 2019
Sensory Class
New Build
Extension
Class of 1982 from the old Drumaweir achool
DIY Course participants
Positivity Crafting
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