*ISSUE 23 28PG
11/18/07
4:56 PM
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Changing Ireland
Programme consultation process RECENTLY, a consultation process was launched to gain greater clarity about the role of the Community Development Programme and Projects at the national, regional and local level and to build consensus on the future direction of the Programme. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs received 110 submissions from Projects and other groups and organisations. In general, the majority of submissions were positive and forwardlooking. Overall, the consultation process did not throw up any surprises. The focus of Projects is predominately anti-poverty and social inclusion, underpinned with a strong commitment to achieving equality. Capacity building and service provision are of equal importance. There is a need to show how the work of Projects is complementary to the full
range of other anti-poverty and social inclusion initiatives, and the relationship with other programmes such as a future LDSIP and RAPID. Projects must operate to high quality standards. Training and Development need specific resources at Project level. The role of the volunteer need to be recognised and the Programme needs a national profile. Some of these issues have already been addressed or are being addressed. Revised financial arrangements have been drafted and will be rolled-out to Projects within the month. This will include a checklist of the financial management, oversight and governance requirements for Projects. A draft Financial Management and Governance Manual is already drafted and will also be circulated before year-end. The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government are preparing revised guidance on
endorsement procedures by City/County Development Boards, in consultation with this Department. There are also moves to define a relationship for CDPs in RAPID areas. All in all, progress is being made, including the development of the new Programme itself, which is at an advanced stage of drafting. Watch this space… - Community Development Unit, 16 November 2007 • The Community Development Programme (CDP) was established in 1990 in recognition of the role of community development in tackling poverty and disadvantage. The programme is administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs while the projects are independent.
60 volunteers get together Around 60 volunteers attended the South-East Regional CDP Forum Conference held on October 5-6th. The event kicked off with a gala dinner. At the conference, Anne Kelly from The Bridge CDP spoke up for the volunteers, while the guest speaker was TD, Brendan Howlin, and workshops were facilitated by ‘Changing Ireland’ and by Blue Drum. The event was organised by two volunteers in particular, Mattie Sheridan of the Men’s Development Network and Helen Walshe of FAB CDP (pictured) with assistance from Framework Support Agency.
Minister approves €575,000 for 27 projects PAT Carey, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, recently approved funding for the recruitment of additional workers to 27 CDPs across the country, under the Community Development Programme. The estimated full year cost is €575,000. Since its establishment in 1990, the Programme has expanded from nine projects to a current network of approximately 180 in disadvantaged areas throughout the country. Under the Programme, start-up projects initially receive funding for a co-ordinator and may appoint an additional worker in the second and/or subsequent years of operation, in order to implement and expand the project’s workplan. Minister Carey said that he is pleased to see
the development and expansion of the projects, adding “The economy continues to grow. However, there are still those who fall through the net. Expanding these projects will pave the way for improving the social infrastructure for these communities and will ultimately benefit us all ”. The projects are: • Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project • Shanganagh CDP • Crumlin CDP • Inchicore CDP • Vista CDP • Holly House CDP • Blanchardstown Traveller's Support Group • Fermoy CDP • Limerick Women’s Network
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Nascadh CDP North West Inner City Women’s Network South West Kerry Women's Association Thurles Action Community Development Tralee Women's Group CDP West Cork Travellers CDP Iorras Le Cheile CDP Edenderry CDP Acorn CDP Women of the North West CDP Arklow CDP Croi Rath Naoi CDP Wolfe Tone CDP Bawnogue Women’s Group CDP Independent Mothers CDP Bray Travellers CDP Rowlagh Women's Group North West Kildare CDP
‘Changing Ireland’, c/o Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick T. 061-458011 (editorial) / 458090 (admin). E: editor@changingireland.ie or admin@changingireland.ie
W: www.changingireland.ie