DECLARATION OF SUPPORT FOR IRISH LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES

I have done two courses with SECAD and they were excellent. It would be a shame to see this wonderful organisation cease operations.

Support for the local economy is the ethos of the Irish people - my support is with them

Secads both financially and on a consultancy basis has enabled me to start what is a thriving business that hopefully will continue to grow and provide employment to our area.

i support this petition

Please keep SECAD Office in Midleton open - its a very important amenity here in EAST CORK

Hands-on support and education, as delivered by SECAD, is vital for the maintenance and development of rural community life.

It absolutely baffles me why any Government would want to dismantle structures like the Local Development Companies at any time and especially in the current economic climate. They are about partnership and bottom-up development, they are about people...surely that's what every structure in the state should strive to be about! There are examples all over the country of the amazing work that's being undertaken by the likes of SECAD and others. The success they've had in getting projects off the ground is a measure of their professionalism and knowledge. Their range of supports is vast and very often it has nothing to do with funding, rather the willingness of staff to listen and to help in whatever way they can. There is no better way to channel funds and to support economic development and social inclusion than through the LDC's. Wake up Minister and stop trying to line the pockets of the County Councils with funds that are far better placed elsewhere and in the hands of people who can make them work for rural Ireland

Support the Local Development Companies - an invaluable resource for the local community.

Can you not leave well alone. The County Councils have enough problems doing their own jobs. Amalgamations do not solve all problems. I would like to compliment Avondhu Blackwater here in Fermoy for the excellent work over many years for people with disabilities and elderly. If this is lost I guarantee the whole scheme will fail..

Avondhu Blackwater Partnership has been of enormous assistance to older people in the broader Fermoy area. Personally I have benefitted from their versatile handyman, local transport, social outings and supportive contact which relieves isolation, loneliness etc. I truly value their reliable support.

I would like to thank Avondhu Blackwater Partnership for all their good work in the community and for all the assistance they have given me in the past. They are always available to help anyone in the locality that requires assistance with computers, cv's or even interview support. But I suppose the small money that they are costing the country would pay for a few more St.Patrick's trips for the boys....... it's absolutely sickening.

local development companies are essential for everybody including the youth of the county,

Weather big or small everything is local really so we need to keep all local support programs in place but also improve them so that local economies can be encouraged to reach their true economic output both commercially and socially.

As a partner of South West Mayo Development Company over the passed 11 years in a FRC Project we feel the Local Development Companies are best placed to deliver both the Community Development Programme and LEADER Programme in Mayo. While the Local Authority ie Mayo CC are another valuable partner I belive that because of the Instutional Nature of all local Authorities they have not the personel relationships with the people so there fore if we are serious about Putting People First we have no choice but to leave these Local Development Companies delivering the programmes by leaving them as the holder of the contract by changing this we are just adding another layer,

Community groups NEED HELP WITHIN COMMUNITY , NOT BY FACELESS ORGANISATIONS WHO AVOID FRONTLINE ACTIVITY. Served WELL by Ballyhoura leader . Face to face interfacing is irreplacable to establish and satisfy needs in a traceable fashion

Save SECAD, Irelands future generations may depend on them for direction. Loosing SECAD may result to some people feeling as though there are no sign posts when they need direction!

I wish to show my support for the much needed services of the LDC's

SECAD is very important to our area both in funding and training - please keep the Staff and Office open.

Development companies have done tremendous work and should be helped rather than hindered.

local developmentcompanies must be supported locally