DECLARATION OF SUPPORT FOR IRISH LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES

typical our politicians can't see past their bank accounts

I would have grave reservations about local authorities delivering L&CDP programme, it has been my experience over 20 years in the community sector that LA is the source of ,

as one of the most centralised states in Europe, The Irish government should be giving more not less power and resources to these 'bottom up' structures. Local Development Companies have done an amazing job of building community capacity over the years. Wake up Minister and start putting people first

And still this government don't see further than their respective bank accounts

As Manager of Valentia Community Centre, I have a lot of contact with South Kerry Development Partnership. They are always extremely helpful and informative, but excelled themselves in helping us to fulfill all of the requirements for a LEADER grant last year. I am very concerned about the consequences of Kerry County Council taking over the design and delivery of Local Development Strategies under LEADER. There is no way that rural, isolated communities would receive the same level of help and support if the County Council have control of everything.

The course I attended was very good and helpful. It is good to local based support.

Having recently completed a course through SECAD, I can honestly say the both the training and support offered was incredible.

Ireland’s LEADER programme represents an excellent use of EU funds and one which we can truly be proud of.

Fully support this important petition.

We seriously need the continuation of Local Development Companies in this Country. They do great work at local level and ongoing this is what this country needs.

Without the support of East Cork Area Development our publication would not be the success it is today. ECAD had faith in us and we are still in successful production 19 years later.

A visit to the Community complex in Tracton, funded since 2006 by Local Dev Companies, will provide compelling evidence as to why this funding should continue as is.

Continued resourcing of ILDCs is critical so that local communities & individuals can be supported to achieve success & make sustainable contributions to local economies

WLP has played a major part in developing our business. It has provided the necessary funds in purchase of equipment to develop our business with additional local employment

SECAD introduced me to the business world in the age of social media. The training I received and the contacts I have made are invaluable to me. They are simply the best form of support and information I could have wished for!

I had incredibly positive experiences with SECAD. The service was really professional and beyond my expectations. They helped me develop a business plan which has been the basis for my company over the past year or so. They are a precious resource.

This is a power play. It is disgraceful that the whole communities should be undermined and community structures altered at the whim of some politicians and civil servants who have no clue about the needs of communities and who ignore the need for consultation, who don't see the need to develop approaches that are community led and who want to privatize something as important as this. The lack of forward thinking is astounding and quite frankly frightening.

SECAD is essential for people to learn new skills etc in their own Locality!

encourage, not craving immediate results but that little extra in one idea that make the change is worth it!

SECAD. BRILLIANT.