Communities urged to support LEADER companies in opposing changes

Communities urged to support LEADER companies


Anton McNulty
antonmcnulty@mayonews.ie

The chairperson of a local rural development company has called on communities to support  efforts to resist proposed changes facing Local Development Companies.
South West Mayo Development Company’s Michael Biggins was speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed pontoon at Rosmoney pier, which he said demonstrated how LEADER companies and communities successfully worked in partnership.
The Rosmoney Pontoon Group Committee worked with South West Mayo Development Company in securing funding of €149,878 of the total project cost of €199,838 under the LEADER/Rural Development Programme.
The South West Mayo Development Company claims the ‘Putting People First’ reform model, which will transfer services to local authorities, will alienate marginalised and disadvantaged rural communities.
Damien Cashin, the Chairman of the Rosmoney Pontoon Committee, acknowledged the contribution South West Mayo played in securing funding for the project and bringing it to fruition. He told Mr Biggins that the committee would give any support it could to the South West Mayo Development Company.
Gerry O’Neill, CEO of South West Mayo Development Company, pointed out that its personnel have worked ‘hand in hand’ with community organisations and individuals for the last 20 years. “We know that community groups value the current accessible relationship which has been built over the last two decades. These changes are very short-sighted and there is a lot at stake here for the quality of life in rural Ireland,” he said.

HAVE YOUR SAY email antonmcnulty@mayonews.ie with your comments