Dublin North East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Axing of Edenmore CDP deplored

Published: 3 February, 2010

The refusal of the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs to uphold the appeal of Edenmore Community Development Programme against the cutting of its funding, resulting in its closure, has been described as "a disgraceful decision". Sinn Féin representative Mícheál Mac Donncha said the axing of the Edenmore CDP contradicts a key report commissioned by the Government itself.

Mr. Mac Donncha stated:

"The ending of Government funding for Edenmore CDP, resulting in its closure on 1st February, is a disgraceful decision. The Government's own Task Force on Active Citizenship has praised the role of the Community Development Programme, saying it 'provides community premises, development workers and capacity building projects to disadvantaged communities in over 180 locations throughout the country. These projects are primarily in the most disadvantaged communities. They play a significant role in building community infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of their communities'.

"How can the Government reconcile that statement with the decision in the Budget for 2009 to cut the budget to community development projects by 15%, with the knock-on effect that CDPs such as Edenmore are closing?

"The Government has spoken of integration of projects but this has proven to be cover for the Government's real agenda, which is to cut back the funding provision. At a time of recession we need community development and community empowerment more than ever."