Community-led development faces ‘biggest threat’

THE “biggest threat” to face community-led local development in the county is how government plans for reform has been described by the chairman of the Clare Local Development Company (CLDP).

 

Steven Walsh, chairman of the CLDP, spoke before members of Clare County Council this week urging them to support “the retention of real community-led local development in County Clare” describing reform plans as a “damaging and retrograde step”.

A proposal put forward by Councillor PJ Kelly that Clare County Councillors call on the government to retain the current structure was supported and signed by 26 members of the council on Monday.

Last year the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government published the final report of the local government/local development alignment steering group. The report was produced with the involvement of the City and County Managers Association.

The report recommended the establishment of a Social and Economic Committee (SEC), which according to Mr Walsh would “effectively replace Clare Local Development Company”.

Outlining his concerns he stated, “CLDC will be stripped of its core functions and resources, without which it will not be viable and will have no future.”

He explained that control of programmes currently delivered by CLDC will be given to Clare County Council and he expressed fear that the “huge voluntary input and local knowledge” of the board, committees and activities of CLDC “will be lost”.

He said if the reform goes ahead the potential for Clare to access additional funding “will be seriously undermined”, adding that the top-up rate of EU aid for community-led local development will be “put at risk.”

Mr Walsh told councillors, “CLDC can see no justification for the takeover of community-led local development by local authorities in Ireland. What we currently have in County Clare is a very productive and positive working relationship with Clare County Council. Many joint initiatives have been undertaken between the two bodies to positive effect.

“If this alignment proposal is implemented, CLDC will become non-viable through the stripping of its core functions and transfer of control of its budget resources to the SEC. The board will be forced to wind up the organisation when this significant change takes effect.”

The meeting heard that through CLDP in 2012, 197 people were supported into self-employment and 105 jobs were created; 56 community groups received LEADER funding, with 180 community groups benefiting from work placement schemes; 350 LEADER programmes were approved, with €5.8 million in funding for LEADER projects, while over 1,000 people were supported by the CLDP in training programmes.

Councillor PJ Kelly described the work of CLDP as “Trojan” adding, “it is totally illogical to go down this road”. He proposed that the current structure be retained saying, “One of the biggest mistakes will be made if this happens”.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Bill Chambers. Councillor PJ Ryan commented, “I see no reason why they would want to change something that is working well.”

Councillor Johnny Flynn added, “This is another example of central government trying to protect itself.”

Councillor Christy Curtin commented, “There is a good model working in Clare that is serving this county well. I think we have a strong team from Phil Hogan’s party in this county and a word from them might help.”

Councillor Joe Arkins expressed his concern that there may be a danger that volunteerism could disappear, while Councillor Pat Hayes described it as “disgraceful that they could put under threat the excellent work they do”.

Councillor Richard Nagle stated, “I believe the minister is making a big mistake”.

Councillor James Breen commented that the county’s Oireachtas members will need to lobby on behalf of the local development company.

Councillor Pat Burke expressed disappointment that the county manager was not at the presentation.
Councillor Tommy Brennan expressed his “disappointment” that the town of Ennis does not benefit from LEADER funding, an opinion echoed by Councillor Brian Meaney.

Mr Walsh commented that Ennis being left out was a European decision and they would love to work in the Ennis area. Councillor Patricia McCarthy stated no decision has yet been made and she was concerned that the council were “going ahead of ourselves.”

“We should be putting forward a coherent argument for what works rather than just saying no, no, no,” she said.

Councillor Tom McNamara stated, “The message needs to go out strong that we fully support the CLDP”.
Councillor Gabriel Keating expressed his hope that the minister would give the service a “good hearing”.

Councillor Michael Begley stated, “The proposal of a need for change has come without any detail and its causing tremendous confusion.”

Councillor John Crowe also outlined his support. Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Daly also expressed his support and he called on the Oireachtas members to get behind the CLDP.