Date: 09 Oct 2025
€200,000 “Power of Visibility” PEACEPLUS Programme Launched to Promote Civic Participation and Social Inclusion Across Donegal
Customer Service Excellence Ireland has officially launched the Power of Visibility: Civic Participation and Social Inclusion programme, a countywide initiative under the PEACEPLUS Programme. The launch event was held at Cairde le Chéile, The Vestry, Letterkenny, marking the beginning of a transformative project designed to promote civic engagement and enhance social inclusion across Donegal.
Funded through Donegal County Council's €7.6 million PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), this €200,000 flagship initiative is one of 32 cross-community projects aimed at building a more inclusive and empowered society. The programme will run from November 2025 to June 2027.
Operating under Theme 2: Thriving and Peaceful Communities, the programme’s core objective is to support individuals and groups who have traditionally been underrepresented in community life and leadership roles. These include minority ethnic and religious communities, linguistic and cultural minorities, LGBTQ+ citizens, women, young people, and people with disabilities.
Participants will take part in structured modules focused on community leadership, communication, and civic engagement. Through a series of workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities. These initiatives will be publicly showcased and culminate in a major networking event to foster collaboration and shared learning with community organisations.
A highlight of the programme will be leadership training delivered in partnership with the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, culminating with a graduation ceremony with certification accredited by Queen’s University Belfast. Civic role models will also be invited to share their journeys, providing inspiration and practical insight.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, praised the initiative for its great potential. “Let us remember—visibility is power, inclusion is progress, and when we empower every voice, especially those that have been unheard, we build not just peaceful communities in Donegal but thriving ones"
Megan Rushe of Donegal Youth Services, a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups. She reminded us that progress is not always straightforward, referencing research that shows inclusion remains a struggle even after the landmark 2015 same-sex marriage referendum. Yet, her message carries hope, by continuing to raise awareness and foster understanding, meaningful change is not only possible but within reach.
Charlie Boyle, Project Lead at Customer Service Excellence Ireland, expressed pride in leading such a timely and impactful initiative. “This is a wonderful opportunity to work with diverse communities throughout Donegal on a cross community/ border basis. We are proud to play a role in amplifying voices that need to be heard.”
The programme aims to engage with 300 participants, offering them the tools and confidence to take on leadership roles and contribute actively to community development. In doing so, it seeks to reduce barriers to participation—whether social, cultural, physical, or communicational—and foster greater understanding, equity, and cohesion across the region.
The Power of Visibility programme represents a significant step forward in promoting equality, celebrating diversity, and empowering citizens across all sectors of Donegal life.
Power of Visibility is project supported by PEACEPLUS; a programme managed by the Special EU programmes Body (SEUPB).
