Donegal's First Ever iFEST
Donegal County Council hosts first-ever iFEST
Intercultural / Integration / International
Refugee Week is celebrated by Donegal County Council at iFEST!
The theme for Refugee Week 2025 is ‘Community as a Superpower’ and invites us to think about the everyday ways that people come together to support one another, especially in tough times.
Donegal’s Local Authority Integration Team hosted an event which created a space for connection, belonging, and a celebration of cultural diversity. The first iFEST was held in Oakfield Park, Raphoe on 17th June 2025. With almost 300 in attendance on a glorious day, this was an event to remember.
The event featured an inspiring and uplifting programme with performances from the Middle East, Ireland, Ukraine, Africa, and the Roma community. A celebration of food, dance, poetry, music, conversation, and storytelling evoked emotional reactions from the audience as they celebrated their cultural heritage. There were opportunities to hear personal stories, to learn about different cultures, appreciate diversity, and, most importantly, build meaningful relationships.
Other highlights included an interview with Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, was conducted by MC for the day, Andrew McNulty, Arts and Cultural Diversity Officer.
“We had a lovely day at this wonderful event. Families were able to connect with music, dance, food, and poetry. This unity was joyous. “Cllr. Kennedy
Children were entertained by the award-winning team at Spraoi agus Sport and enjoyed exploring the fabulous gardens and park, which included a fun train ride around Oakfield grounds.
Services of the Council, Community, Roads, Environment, and Culture were in attendance to provide information and answer any queries.
Guests enjoyed a sample selection of food from different cultures, each prepared with exquisite attention to detail.
Tributes were paid to all those who performed, attended, and assisted on the day. The event was a resounding success, showcasing Donegal’s growing diversity and as a welcoming and safe place for everyone.
Comments after reveal: watch this space in 2026!
The LAIT is established to support integration across County Donegal.
We work in collaboration with partner organisations in the Statutory and Community sectors.
The LAIT can support you if you are:
- A Beneficiary of Temporary Protection (refugee from Ukraine),
- A Programme Refugee,
- A Refugee, or have Subsidiary Protection, or Leave to Remain status, (Beneficiary of International Protection)
- An International Protection Applicant (Asylum Seeker).
The Team consists of an Integration Support Co-ordinator, two Integration Support Workers and an Administrator. A dedicated member of the team can meet to discuss your needs in more detail, and when required link you to the local service provider appropriate to your needs.
What does Integration mean?
The Irish Government defines Integration as:
The ability to participate to the extent that a person needs and wishes in all major components of society without having to relinquish his or her own cultural identity
Integration from Day One
We are guided by the principle of “Integration from Day One”. This means that from your arrival in County Donegal, we are available to support you to understand how the services and systems here operate, and how to access them. You can also contact us if you have been here already for several years. If you have a change in status or something has changed for you, then you may have questions about how this will affect you and your family so please contact us.
Support we offer
Support payments for those who are not in paid employment, or are in lower paid work. There is a comprehensive social welfare system in Ireland with a wide range of supports for those who are not yet employed or who are working only part-time hours, or who receive low wages if there is a large family to support. However, access to various payments and services within the social welfare system depends on different factors such as your status and any previous tax (social insurance) contributions you have made here. You can contact us to find out more about what you may be entitled to.
The LAIT can assist and guide you on your journey to integration.
Contact us to ask any questions or find out more about our services and supports
Email: integration@donegalcoco.ie
LAIT - One Donegal Social Inclusion Week - Walk
Donegal County Council LAIT organised a walk during Donegal Social Inclusion Week in ‘Stranorlar, Ballybofey and Drumboe Woods’ areas.
The walk took place on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 and the weather was fantastic!
The Group were joined by Kathleen Phelan – Walk Guide: Balybofey, Stranorlar and District Historical Society, Margaret O’Kane – Drumboe Woods Walking Group and Tara Devenney – Finn Valley Family Resource Centre.
Seamus from the Drumboe Woods Walking group spoke to the group on the flora and fauna of the riverside walk.
A most enjoyable time was had by all.
