WHEN many leading fashion houses are sourcing premium yarns, Donegal Yarns based in Kilcar is on their list of suppliers.

And thanks to Údarás na Gaeltachta’s continued investment, this remarkable Irish success story is going from strength to strength.

In a story that reads like a modern Irish fairy tale, Snáth Dún na nGall Ltd, Ireland’s largest remaining woollen mill tucked away in the Gaeltacht heartland of Kilcar has secured a €158,495 investment package which includes a €53,915 Innovation Digital Process Grant from Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Snáth Dún na nGall Ltd., which has been located in Kilcar since 2006, is a leading manufacturer of woollen spun yarns in Ireland, producing the famous Donegal Fleck yarn. It is the largest woollen mill in Ireland, with only a few remaining spinning mills in the country.

Snáth Dún na nGall has developed a strong international client base, supplying famous fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne, Moncler and J Crew to name a few. Locally, they supply products to companies such as Bhá Dhún na nGall Teo, Darni Ceard Teo, Rathlin Knitwear, Rossan Knitwear, Molloy & Sons and Magee Weaving.

Chris Weiniger, General Manager of Snáth Dún na nGall said: “With technology advancements in the industry there is both modern equipment available and the opportunity to upgrade and retrofit existing machinery in terms of improvement in efficiency and quality control through digital controls. We recognise that it is essential to invest in the company’s manufacturing process with modern equipment and digital systems for the future.”

This investment package will enable the company to upgrade their manufacturing processes and improve their efficiency, which will ensure they can continue as a leader in the textile industry in Ireland.

This investment demonstrates Údarás na Gaeltachta’s continued commitment to supporting Gaeltacht entrepreneurs and creating and maintaining significant jobs in the Gaeltacht area.