Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I agree that the level of funding for community development projects has not been great. The average grant received is €103,000 with some at €145,000. It usually allows for the recruitment of a full-time co-ordinator and sometimes a part-time administrator. After this, other resources have to be leveraged. Those projects that are vibrant and can stand on their own are able to do this well. However, I do not agree that in the proposals being discussed there should be any reduction in the level of community development activity. Instead, it should be enhanced. There is an expertise in community development projects which will enrich the local partnership companies and vice versa. The synergy which will result in the coming together of all will be strong. The volunteer input can also remain strong. I can assure those in the sector who are concerned the proposals will marginalise them that they will not. While each of the local groups is an independent entity, I urge them all to ensure the level of resourcing for the LCDP end of their programmes is maintained at the highest level possible.

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