Tievenameenta

Ederney Community Development Trust, representing a broad range of local organisations, has united behind a shared vision to extend the community facilities located at St. Joseph’s grounds.

Having demonstrated the level of local support, the project was awarded £150,000 from SSE Renewables Tievenameenta Community Fund. It has now entered a critical phase, preparation of tender drawings. The two-storey extension will include three indoor sports courts, a dedicated spinning studio, changing rooms, a permanent home for the youth club, and a multipurpose hall suitable for events, workshops, and community gatherings.

A contractor is expected to be appointed by early 2026, with construction to begin shortly after. The new facility will offer year-round access to recreation, youth programmes, well-being initiatives, and social events. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the project aims to provide inclusive, safe, and resilient infrastructure that strengthens rural life. By creating a high quality, shared asset for people of all ages and backgrounds, it will foster greater social cohesion, expand access to services, and create a long-lasting hub of opportunity.

While construction awaits, the Trust and member organisations continue to fundraise locally to reduce long-term loan liability, and ensure financial sustainability, driven by a shared vision rooted in community need and long-term resilience.

"This is more than a building project, it's a shared investment in our future. The funding has helped us move from concept to reality, and we're now closer than ever to creating a space that will bring people together, support youth development, and promote well-being for years to come.”

Sean Donnelly, Trustee, Ederney Development Trust

With £9,000 of support from SSE Renewables Tievenameenta Community Fund, Castlederg St Eugene's GAA club has enhanced its gym facilities by investing in additional gym equipment to support player development and promote broader community well-being.

Located beside the clubs 1km walking and running track, the gym is ideally placed to serve a diverse and growing range of users, from casual walkers and fitness enthusiasts to those engaged in Hyrox-style training or more structured fitness programmes. The new equipment responds to growing demand from both club players and the broader community.

The gym now plays a dual role, supporting players as they prepare for competitive league matches, and offering a welcoming high quality space for general fitness, and mental well-being. Open to all in the community, the facility reflects the cubs commitment to inclusivity, encouraging participation across all backgrounds.

More than just a fitness facility, the gym is a key part of the club’s long-term sustainability strategy. With secure face recognition access and extended opening hours from early morning until late evening, the facility offers convenience, safety and flexibility. Membership fees contribute directly to the club’s running costs, reducing reliance on fundraising and strengthening financial resilience.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, this project strengthens rural infrastructure inn an inclusive and sustainable way, building healthier lifestyles, stronger social ties, and a shared sense of community on and off the pitch.

"We're delighted to see the new equipment being used by everyone, from casual gym-goers to dedicated athletes. It's a real asset to the club and the wider community.”

Brian Mac Giolla Chomhghaill, Cathaoirleach, Castlederg St Eugene's GAC

With support from Tievenameenta Community Fund, the Forge Family Resource Centre has transformed a hilltop urban space overlooking the village, and the river dividing Donegal and Fermanagh, into a vibrant community garden. The £4,500 grant covered upskilling courses, essential gardening equipment, seeds and plants, enabling a group of local residents, most with no prior gardening experience, to discover new skills and a renewed sense of purpose.

Located in a built-up area with limited green space, the project goes beyond growing fruit and vegetables, it fosters community. Gardening sessions have become a much-loved social outlet, providing regular opportunities for participants from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to connect, learn, and support each other in a calming outdoor environment.

The garden yields a variety of edible fruit and vegetables, and true to the centre's inclusive ethos, the produce is available for anyone to enjoy, members, local residents, or even curious tourists passing through. A garden also hosts a bug hotel which further enhances the biodiversity of the space, creating a healthy and balanced mini-ecosystem.

What began as a skills-based training initiative has blossomed into a community haven, a place to unwind, socialise, and reconnect with nature. The project reflects the principle of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by making urban life greener, more inclusive, and more socially connected.

"This project has brought our community together in a way we never imagined. Learning to garden and sharing the harvest has given us a beautiful space to connect, relax, and enjoy nature overlooking the town.”

Cathy Mangan-Fry, Gardening Group Participant, The Forge Family Resource Centre