IRELAND will donate R45-million in development aid to Lesotho this year, Irish consul-general to Lesotho Tom Wright announced in the capital Maseru on Wednesday. Addressing a reception to mark Saint Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s national day, Wright said poverty alleviation is at the heart of Ireland’s development programme to Lesotho. He added that the Irish aid programme in Lesotho has shifted its focus to development partnerships with government and local groups.