Some 13.6% of Limerick households support overseas development projects

RESEARCH has shown that some 13.6% of Limerick households are “deeply committed to global issues”, such as extreme poverty. 

A new report commissioned by Dóchas, the Irish Network of Humanitarian and Development Organisations, has revealed that 10,388 individuals in Limerick have contributed to overseas development projects.

Almost 350,000 individual donors across Ireland contributed to 27 of Dóchas’s 56 members in 2023, representing one in five households. 

Of the 10,388 contributing donors in Limerick,  that represents 13.6% of households and 5% of the population of those involved with Dóchas. 

As well as this, there are 106 groups and organisations in the county supporting the cause, which is made up of 18 schools, 43 faith and community groups and 45 businesses.

These findings show that people in Limerick continue to value and support overseas development across the country.

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This information is said to be timely now ahead of the newly announced general election, as the data highlights that “a significant proportion of the Irish and Limerick population” remains deeply committed to global causes. 

Commenting on the Electoral Snapshots project, Jane-Ann McKenna, CEO of Dóchas said: “This report is a powerful reminder that while public debates can sometimes appear divisive, the reality on the ground is different. 

“Our message to policymakers is clear - while local issues are undeniably important, this data shows that Irish voters also care deeply about global issues. There is a real opportunity for Ireland to continue playing a leadership role in overseas development.” 

The report is set to be used by the organisation in efforts to bring overseas development to the fore in the forthcoming general election race.

Nationally, the report shows 528 schools contributed financially to overseas development organisations, representing 13.2% of all schools.

1,609 businesses, 894 churches and faith groups and 115 community groups across the country made financial contributions.

It comes as Dóchas releases its manifesto for the upcoming General Election. 

The network is calling for Ireland to realise its commitment to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income on Overseas Development Assistance by 2030, and to publish a clear spending pathway to achieve this by 2030.

Dóchas is the network of international development and humanitarian organisations working collectively to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable development.