Waterford, Ireland / WLR
Jan 14, 2021 5:40 PM
Waterford Council says they have no role or responsibility for the oversight or governance of Waterford Area Partnership.
The state-funded body works with disadvantaged communities however, it emerged this week that it’s facing major investigations including by Gardai, Revenue and the Charities Regulator.
In a statement issued this afternoon, the local authority said that the Waterford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), which is a subcommittee of Waterford City & County Council, considered the report. Waterford City and County Council said:”The company (WAP) and its Board in particular, are responsible for the issues contained within the report.
An audit has recommended winding up a State-funded body which works with disadvantaged communities in Waterford.
The Crowe Horwath report has said that Waterford Area Partnership (WAP) is “at risk of collapse” and is “not viable” due to mounting issues at the organisation.
The company is the subject of “major investigations” according to the audit, which was commissioned by the Department of Rural and Community Development, including one by gardaí into its financial transactions. The Charities Regulator and Revenue are also investigating the Partnership, which delivers programmes aimed at alleviating deprivation in Waterford city. It has an annual budget of €3m.