Laois Partnership welcomes funding news which it says will be vital after the Covid-19 pandemic
Reporter:
12 Mar 2021
Catherine Cowap, Acting CEO Laois Partnership, Mary Kennedy RTE and Peter O Neill, Chairman Laois Partnership at a pre-Covid-19 event in Portlaoise );
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A Laois agency that provides vital help to community groups and businesses extra Leader funds announced by the Government will be needed to help rural areas after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Laois Partnership Company, a member of the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) who represent the 35 Local Development Companies (LDCs) that delivers the LEADER Programme nationally. They have welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Rural & Community Development Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine Charlie McConalogue TD, of an increased allocation of €70 million in 2021 & 2022 for the LEADER Programme.
The vital work of Community Employment Schemes (CE schemes) across Kerry often goes unnoticed, but as the back-bone of rural communities, they have never been needed more.
However, in recent months there were mounting fears across the county of the loss of many employees from these schemes due to the effect of Government eligibility rules.
Several eligibility rules have been criticised due to the effect they were having on such schemes in rural communities. An in-depth investigation by The Kerryman on the effects of eligibility rules across Kerry resulted in the Department of Social Protection paying heed to the situation on the ground and led to a meeting in January where concerns were expressed. A campaign for change to the rules was led by Cllr Norma Moriarty, who was joined by colleagues from all parties. .
The Government has given the green light for a new walk and cycle route that will eventually link Clarecastle to Ennis and on the planned West Clare Greenway.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys confirmed to Clare Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey that funding of €200,000 has been allocated to the River Fergus Walk & Cycle project.
The Clarecastle-based TD has lobbied his colleagues in government on the project for several years, including Minister for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan who visited the area in December 2020.
Deputy Carey said he is “overjoyed” the first phase of the cycle and walking route has been approved.
Minister Humphreys has announced that over €6.5 million is being made available in funding for 38 projects under Measure 2 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.