Note from Sean Hegarty, Chairman of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership
Public Meetings Regarding Threats to Local Development Companies
Dear Community Representative,
As Chairperson of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, I am requesting your attendance at one of our public meetings below.
Fermoy: Tuesday, April 15th, 8.00pm, Fermoy Community Youth Centre.
Mallow: Wednesday, April 16th, 8.00pm, Hibernian Hotel.
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership has serious concerns in connection with proposed local government reforms, which would see local authorities take control of the LEADER Programme and the Local and Community Development Programme. This action will also threaten the future delivery of programmes including the Rural Social Scheme, TUS and Community Connect.
The proposals from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to align local government with local development form part of a programme for local government reform. There are many positive actions within these proposals and Avondhu Blackwater Partnership will continue to support positive reform. However, we have serious reservations that the model being pursued will lead to the loss of valuable skills and expertise built up amongst the Local Development Companies voluntary Board of Directors and our staff. This would certainly impact negatively on service provision and direct supports to local communities.
Over the last 20 years Avondhu Blackwater Partnership has worked tirelessly in partnership with communities to combat disadvantage through the delivery of a range of programmes that assist the long-term unemployed, combat social exclusion and poverty, offer training and education so people can develop their skills and deliver community development infrastructure and economic growth for the region.
As Chairperson of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership I am requesting that you show your support for your local development company. We are formally asking all community organisations and individuals to take the following actions immediately:
• Please show your support by attending our Public Meetings
• Please sign the petition and leave a comment to support Avondhu Blackwater Partnership at:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/support-local-development-companies
or via
