Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will travel to Donegal today for a series of events including a visit to the site of the €21 million office project in Buncrana as part of the Government’s ambitious decentralisation scheme.
He will also attend a fundraising event for teenager Alan Doherty who suffers from a rare physical disorder.
The 18-year-old has no lower chin and as a result has never eaten a meal and communicates through a keyboard.
Friends in the county are raising money to pay for pioneering surgery in America and Mr Ahern is to be guest of honour at a special ball in Letterkenny in aid of the charity.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Mr Ahern said he was delighted to have the opportunity for the visit.
"During my years as Taoiseach I have always enjoyed working with my Donegal colleagues and I have many fond memories of my visits to this wonderful part of the country," he said.
"Over the years, we have worked hard to resolve the issues which are of vital importance to families and communities throughout Donegal.
"I believe that real changes and improvements have now been made. In creating jobs, building better infrastructure and investing in communities, I believe that Donegal has been significantly improved in the last decade."