Fergus O'Dowd
Question:842 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs about funding for the Sherkin Island community development programme. [11662/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (780, 781, 782)
Written answers
The Sherkin Island Development Society received funding under the community development programme since 1997. The funding has primarily allowed the project to employ a development officer and an administrative assistant, in addition to covering administrative costs and overheads associated with maintaining a premises.
My Department has been concerned for some time that SIDS has not been achieving the primary aim of the programme, that is the empowerment of the local community to address, in a participative manner, the issues it deems important. Following an investigation, it was concluded that SIDS had failed to maintain appropriate procedures and had demonstrated weakness in terms of community development and conflict resolution skills. The project management were informed that funding would be withdrawn with effect from the end of March 2004.
The project was also informed that it was my intention to examine the future development needs of the Sherkin community. Arising from the process, I subsequently met members of SIDS and representatives from Heir Island, a sister island that is also supported through SIDS. In the light of further consideration of the various issues involved, I have decided to offer SIDS funding on an interim basis for a period of six months, subject to acceptance by SIDS management of a number of conditions on restructuring of the project and operational and decision-making procedures. Should this offer of conditional further support be accepted by SIDS management, my Department will monitor progress and review the position at the end of the six month period.
Questions Nos. 843 and 844 answered with Question No. 128.
Question No. 845 answered with QuestionNo. 131.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:846 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent he can engage with urban or rural communities to enhance their qualify of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12113/04]
View answerBernard J. Durkan
Question:849 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his ongoing plans to develop support structures for urban and rural dwellers. [12116/04]
View answer
I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 and 849 together.
From my previous replies the Deputy will be aware of the many schemes and initiatives operated by my Department to assist rural and urban communities. I refer him to Questions Nos. 432 of 3 December 2002 and 431 to 434, inclusive, of 27 May 2003 and 167 of 9 March 2004. These schemes constitute an integrated series of supports for urban and rural communities that contribute to the enhancement of quality of life.
I am also initiating a number of further special schemes that will contribute significantly in the area. I refer the Deputy to Question No. 432 of 9 March 2004. I expect to announce the new rural social scheme within a matter of weeks.
My Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are at an advanced stage in the process of negotiating and formalising a scheme of joint county enterprise board and Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs funding support for business projects on the English speaking islands.
Question No. 847 answered with QuestionNo. 137.