Paul McCusker (Ireland, Atlantic Technological University, Donegal) will apply himself to the study of the St. Conal’s Hospital complex which was originally established in 1866 as the Donegal District Lunatic asylum and has over its 157-year history played a dominant role in the social fabric of Donegal and beyond. The unfolding narratives of the legacies of these institutions are currently undergoing a significant assessment in Irish public discourse with national level bodies established to examine the role that institutions such as St. Conal’s played in the origination and the perpetuation of practices which have been judged to violate their rights as Citizens of Ireland. However, the focus of this case study will be in exploring how St. Conal’s is currently following a strategy of maintaining its strong historical identity whilst at the same time establishing itself as an openly accessible community asset which delivers on its core mission of providing mental health care services to the communities of Donegal. 

Paul McCusker is currently Treasurer of the ‘Donegal Local Development Company’ which is a local development company in Donegal working with representatives from communities, state agencies, employers, trade unions and elected representatives with the aim of improving the lives of communities in Donegal. He is also treasurer of ‘Cairde Le Cheile’ which is a voluntary organisation dedicated to improving the lives of marginalised members of Irish society through inclusion, sport, and social activities.