Whether you're new to Ireland or planning your move soon, this dynamic, hands-on training is designed to help you integrate with ease, confidence, and clarity. From navigating public services to understanding Irish culture, this course gives you all the tools to build a successful, fulfilling life in Ireland.

### 📘 **Course Highlights – 4 Practical Modules**

### 🏡 **1. LIFE – Living in Ireland Made Simple**

Master the essentials of everyday life:

- Public services, transportation, and local living

- Housing, healthcare, banking, legal systems

- Immigration, rights, and entitlements

### 🎓 **2. STUDY – Education at Every Stage**

Navigate the Irish education system:

- Schools, childcare, and university pathways

- Adult education and language learning

- Funding, course applications & skill development

### 💼 **3. LABOUR MARKET ACCESS – Step Into the Irish Job Market**

Prepare for success in your career:

- How to job hunt, write CVs, and ace interviews

- Your rights as a worker and how to start a business

- Taxes, welfare supports, and building resilience

### 🤝 **4. COMMUNITY – Connect, Belong, Thrive**

Build a vibrant life through community engagement:

- Volunteering, local events, cultural norms

- Finding your tribe while embracing Irish society

- Practical tips for staying informed and involved

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Practical Irish Living and Cultural Integration Training Programme

🎓 Led by expert trainer Dr. Diletta Panero, a cultural integration specialist with 15+ years’ experience in language education and community support

Practical Irish Living and Cultural Integration Training Programme

Retrofit for homeowners cover basic information on insulation types, reasons for energy upgrades, small changes to aid energy efficiency, different SEAI programmes and some technical information.   Including Reading your BER report.  Approx. 2 and a half hours duration

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Retrofit for homeowners

Retrofit for homeowners cover basic information on insulation types, reasons for energy upgrades, small changes to aid energy efficiency, different SEAI prog...

Retrofit for homeowners  

On completion of the training programme learners will have:                                                                                                                                                                                                   

1\. NZEB PRINCIPLES                                                                                                 

Basic understanding of NZEB Principles                                                                                                                                                                                                     

2\. BUILDING PHYSICS                                                                                               

Basic understanding of Building Physics                                                                                                                                                                                                  

3\. BUILDING FABRIC                                                                                                 

Basic understanding of Building Fabric – Continuous Insulation, Thermal Bridging,                                                                                                       

Air Permeability, Windows and Doors.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

4\. BUILDING SERVICES                                                                                             

Basic understanding of Building Services – Space heating and Domestic Hot Water,                                                                                                    

Controlled Ventilation, Lighting, ICT and Smart Technology                                                                                                                                                                                                          

5\. RENEWABLE ENERGY, PHOTO-VOLTAICS, SMART METERING AND ELECTRIC                                                                                               

Basic understanding of Renewable Energy, Photo-Voltaics, Smart Metering.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

6\. COMMUNICATION AND USER INFORMATION                                                                                           

Basic understanding of the required knowledge for Communication and                                                                                            Best Practice User Information                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - NZEB Fundamental Awareness Course 

On completion of the training programme learners will have:                                                                                                  ...

NZEB Fundamental Awareness Course 

**Join Us for a Drop-In Information Session – 4pm to 6pm**\
**With Neil Gallagher, Community Facilitator – Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme**

Learn about the supports available through DLDC and get your questions answered.

Explore the **Mobile Retrofit Unit** and discover a range of options.

On board we will also have information available from:

Dungloe:

**Rosses Credit Union**: Information on retrofit loan options / **The Cope**: Details on supplies for home retrofitting/ **EPH Renewables**: Insights into renewable energy solutions and what they offer

Letterkenny: 

Letterkenny Credit Union, B&S Credit Union - information on Retrofit Loan Options

EPH Renewables insights into renewable energy solutions and what they offer. 

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Drop in Information Session - Defective Concrete Block - MICA

**Join Us for a Drop-In Information Session – 4pm to 6pm**\
**With Neil Gallagher, Community Facilitator – Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme**

Learn about th...

Drop in Information Session - Defective Concrete Block - MICA

The Communication Skills workshop aims to equip long-term unemployed individuals with essential communication tools to improve their employability, enhance interpersonal interactions, and build confidence in various professional and social settings.

Communication Skills - Step In Step Up!

Pamela Black

Mirsada Kerkoti

Barbara Laszcziw

Great skills for improving everyday interactions  and outcomes.  I would recommend everyone attend this type of course to improve their communication experience. 

Sean Mac Fhlannchadha

Excellent course. Both the content and delivery.

Jacqueline  Dooley 

I thoroughly enjoyed the communication skills course, Neil Gallagher is EXCELLENT at teaching, I have learned so much, I learned LIFE lessons to use in my everyday life, and I also gained confidence from this while meeting some really lovely people but I can't express how good of a teacher Neil was. I look forward to doing more courses with DLDC in the near future.
Warm regards
Jacky Dooley.

The Communication Skills workshop aims to equip long-term unemployed individuals with essential communication tools to improve their employability, enhance i...

Question 1

DLDC Staff Member / Referred by?

An introduction into the basics of Customer Service. This will equip the participants with the skills and knowledge to engage with customers in a number of settings. 


Customer Service 1 Day - Step In Step Up! 

Johnathan  Boyle

Learned alot from the customer service course. It was a great day and Neil was very easy going. He explained everything well. Couldn't fault anything. 

Maryna Novikova

clear and understandable explanation, concisely

Andrii Kotkovets

I recently attended the Customer Service course organized by Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), and I was thoroughly impressed! 

Everything was well-organized, and the training materials were both useful and engaging. 

I’d like to thank the DLDC team for their professionalism, friendly atmosphere, and dedication to helping each participant build their skills. 

I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their knowledge and confidence in customer service. 

Thank you for a fantastic experience!

Elena  Veremeienko

I really liked the course. Everything is very informative and interesting. I will recommend it to my friends.

Nataliia Nahovitsyna

Thank you for the course, I think it will be very useful in working with clients.

Olena  Shanhurova

Thank you for meaningful seminar. Gave an overall understanding of customer service sphere and main features that a person should possess. Lector had a good sense of humour and information was well structured. 
Definitely recommend it! 

Yaroslav  Yefremenko

Kwanele Mkwebu

I had great experience on my class ,our teacher was so accommodating i understood his explanation and learnt a lot about Customer service. It was great 

Ayebatari Ahiamadu

The program was so beneficial and I look forward to other modules.

An introduction into the basics of Customer Service. This will equip the participants with the skills and knowledge to engage with customers in a number of s...

DLDC Staff Member / Referred By 

### **Why Learn to Sew?**

Sewing is far more than a practical skill—it's an empowering, creative, and sustainable craft that offers lifelong value.

### **Benefits of Learning to Sew**

#### ✂️ **Creative Expression**

Sewing opens the door to designing and making one-of-a-kind items. From clothing to homeware, students experience the joy of transforming simple materials into something beautiful and personal.

#### ♻️ **Supports the Circular Economy**

By learning how to sew, repair, and upcycle fabrics, students contribute to reducing textile waste and promote mindful consumption. This is a key part of living more sustainably and moving away from the throwaway culture of fast fashion.

#### 💪 **Builds Confidence and Independence**

There is immense satisfaction in learning a new skill with your own two hands. Watching progress week by week fosters self-confidence and pride in each completed project.

#### 👥 **Encourages Social Connection**

Classes are a relaxed and welcoming space where students can meet new people, share ideas, and build friendships. Learning alongside others helps create a strong sense of community and support.

#### 🧠 **Supports Mental Wellbeing**

Sewing is meditative and rewarding, helping to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote mindfulness. It’s an excellent way to disconnect from screens and reconnect with tactile, hands-on work.

#### 👗 **Customisation & Practical Use**

From mending old clothes to making gifts and home décor, sewing is a highly practical skill. Students will leave class with items they’ve made themselves—and the knowledge to keep creating long after the course ends.

### **What’s Included**

- Use of sewing machines

- All fabrics, threads, tools, and accessories provided

- Professionally designed patterns to keep and reuse

- One completed project per session

Why Learn to Sew? - Sewing is far more than a practical skill- it's an empowering, creative, and sustainable craft that offers lifelong value.

Beginner Sewing Course

DLDC Staff Member / Referred By

Dunfanaghy - Survive IT Training

Letterkenny - Donegal Local Development - Board Room

Donegal Town - The Central Hotel

Safetec Letterkenny

The Base

Stranorlar - Finn Valley Family Resource Centre

DLDC

Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre 

Pobal Eascarrach 

Shannon House

•	Ionad Teampall Cróine

Aranmore

Bundoran Community Centre (beside Library)

St Shanaghan House

Blustack Foundation

GTeic

The Bluestack Foundation

DLDC Letterkenny Boardroom

The Glenties Day Centre

Mount Errigal Hotel Letterkenny 

Workhouse, Dunfanaghy

MFD Shorefront Marque

Tirlough Resource Centre

The Vestry

Donegal Presbyterian Hall 

Vestry

Station House Hotel

Ozanam Community Centre

Bundoran Community Centre

Bluestack Foundation

Donegal Education Support Centre

White House CPI Centre

Dolmen Centre

Raphoe Family Resource Centre Clg.

The Workhouse Dunfanaghy

Safetech 

Lifford Venue To Be Confirmed

CLONLEIGH SOCIAL CENTRE

Donegal Presbyterian Hall

Prysbyterian Hall

Bundoran Retail Park 

O'Donnell Park 

Construction Training Location Gweedore 

Letterkenny Community Centre 

Rosses Community School Dungloe / Pobalscoil na Rosann

Mulroy Woods

ATU Carpark 

Cara House Family Resource Centre

Donegal Local Development Company provides support to individuals who are interested in returning to learning. We provide one-to-one advice and support in relation to accessing education and lifelong learning opportunities. This free and confidential service is available in a number of locations including Letterkenny, Donegal Town and Killybegs or on an outreach basis at a location convenient for you.

We work with individuals to help them to identify and take the steps to improve their quality of life and wellbeing and to access lifelong learning opportunities.

We aim to:

Provide guidance and advice on learning supports and educational opportunities.
Assist you to identify your skills, interests and goals.
Provide information on funding opportunities and entitlements.
Put mechanisms in place to facilitate and respond to your individual needs.
Develop a Personal Action Plan tailored to fit your needs.
Signpost and refer you to a host of specialist agencies
Support you to build your confidence, access tailored Lifelong Learning programmes as well as accessing other support services

Wellbeing Taster Course

A short 10 minute session to give you a feel for the supports available through DLDC

Practical Irish Living and Cultural Integration Training Programme

📘 Course Highlights – 4 Practical Modules

🏡 1. LIFE – Living in Ireland Made Simple

🎓 2. STUDY – Education at Every Stage

Age Requirement