Limerick CDPs' alternative model - details published here

CDPs across the country are currently integrating into the Local and Community Development Programme and some have sought to win approval for an alternative structure that better suits their communitys' needs.

The Limerick model for setting up a Citywide CDP, as looked on favourably by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs is now available online (click here). The document gives details of the proposed new voluntary management structure and may be of interest to projects in other parts of the country considering their options.

The Limerick model proposes “that instead of ‘integrating’ Partnerships and CDP’s in Limerick city, CDPs are amalgamated into one “City CDP” thus retaining local voluntary involvement with real responsibility and a continued say in decisions affecting their community.”

Limerick CDPs are aiming to “ensure that the LCDP is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible with the maximum participation and buy in from volunteers engaged over the years on CDP management committees.”

In Cork, CDPs have developed another alternative in co-operation with the HSE, while Women’s CDPs and Traveller CDPs are also understood to be at advanced stages in working out with the Department how a different model could work for their CDPs and their communities’ needs.

In most parts of the country, CDPs are being absorbed into Local Development Companies (aka Partnerships) and many if not most of them are likely to close down as companies.

An alternative model proposed by Donegal CDP’s was not accepted by the Department.

The Department have been clear that they want savings made in the areas of staff, HR, audit, administration and legal bills.

Moyross.ie launched today by Minister Carey

18 months ago, the first ten items that came up in a Google search for ‘Moyross’ were all negative in the extreme characterising the estate solely in terms of criminality and gangs.

A new website Moyross.ie is nowadays often listed in the top three Google listings for Moyross.

At lunchtime today, July 27^th, the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, officially launched www.moyross.ie, an accompanying blog and ‘Changing Ireland’s Youtube channel which passed the 10,000 viewers mark earlier this year.

The Moyross website and blog are supported locally by ‘Changing Ireland’.

The website builds on the popularity of the local newsletter ‘Moywrites’ produced by the Community Development Network Moyross and it utilises the IT skills and media expertise of ‘Changing Ireland’ staff based in the community, at no extra cost.

Meanwhile, work by the PAUL Partnership is ongoing to develop an integrated website for community groups across Limerick City - Limerickcommunities.ie and Moyross.ie will in time become part of and linked with this.

CAPTION: CDN Chairperson Deirdre O'Driscoll, Minister Pat Carey and Allen Meagher, editor of 'Changing Ireland' at the launch of: www.moyross.ie

65,000 JOBS POSSIBLE FROM SOCIAL/COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES - REPORT

Community and social enterprise projects, if driven by the Government - could provide up to 65,000 jobs nationally, according to a report published in June, 2010, by the Task Force on Social Enterprise. You can download the full 16-page report here.

Read more on social enterprises on pages 19-21 of 'Changing Ireland' Issue 32 which features examples from Ireland, England and Scotland. As of now, that issue (our latest) is on our homepage.

Check out our upcoming Summer edition from more on Social and Community Enterprise - from how it should create jobs, to interviews with people working in Speedpak, a social enterprise company in north Dublin.

Frank Feighan is new Fine Gael spokesperson on Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs

Roscommon-based TD, Frank Feighan has been appointed Fine Gael spokesperson for Community, Equality & Gaeltachtt Affairs, as of today.

The 48-year-old from Boyle was first elected to the Dáil in May, 2007. He replaces Mayo's Michael Ring who has become the party's spokesperson on Social Protection.

Other changes to the Fine Gael front bench are published on: www.insideireland.ie

LATEST - Minister says CDPs and Partnerships should "look to the future" within the LCDP

The Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, has said that Community Development Projects and Local Development Companies (aka Partnerships) have “nothing to fear” from the new LCDP model of integration which is being applied to the sector.

The Minister today issued a statement acknowledging "the incredible work" being done by CDPs and LDCs and said everything he was doing was about maintaining services:

"Despite the tone of some coverage of the redesign of community/local development programmes and integration strategy, those involved in community development have absolutely nothing to fear from the new model. It is all about ensuring that frontline services are maintained and that the important services currently being provided continue to play a vital role in strengthening our most disadvantaged and marginalised communities.”

On Monday, Minister Carey told ‘Changing Ireland’ in an interview to be published in our upcoming magazine:

“My view is it would be better for all the citizens of this country, who are recipients of the services, and be in everybody’s interest if people (meaning projects) said let’s knuckle down and work out how we’re going to develop this process for the next number of years and how we’re going to do it.

“It is too easy to do this year what we did last year and the year before. We have always got to be really smart intellectually in what we’re doing.

“I believe in Community Development as a vehicle for change, but I don’t believe that vehicle can’t be changed, modified.

In today’s statement, Minister Carey urged CDPs and LDCs to "look to the future" and insisted that the Programme redesign was in line with best international practice and had nothing to do with the closing of CDPs or the cessation of the essential services they provide to communities nationwide.

"I acknowledge the incredible work carried out by CDPs and LDCs but communities change and the challenges faced by communities change. Accordingly our approach to those challenges must change. We need to look to the future."

The DCEGA has set out a national model involving full integration of CDPs with local development companies (LDCs), but the Minister (as stated in our blog report yesterday) has made it clear that other options have been considered and that it is not a question of 'one size fits all'. Alternative models are required to meet a range of criteria, including a reduction in the number of structures, promoting the potential for integrated delivery of services to the public, supporting efficiencies and reducing the burden of company law compliance for CDPs.

"The only unacceptable option is one that seeks to preserve the status quo and some models proposed by CDPs and other parties since the launch of the LCDP have been rejected on that basis,” said the Minister.

His statement today said that unless a project has received provisional approval from the Department for an alternative LCDP integration model, groups are required to submit their plans for full integration by today, June 30^th.

He had earlier left the door just slightly ajar telling ‘Changing Ireland’ he might allow for “injury time” while stressing that the deadline was at the same time not being extended.

"May I take this opportunity to reassure all concerned that my focus remains firmly on ensuring that scarce resources are targeted at the most vulnerable communities through optimising our efforts and resources at the front-line,” added Minister Carey.

He also drew attention to an often overlooked element of the last budget:

"It should also be noted that funding for community development projects for 2010 has been ringfenced and maintained at 2009 levels. In few other areas of public spending has it been possible to do this."

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