Late surge in applications for Leader grants
There was a huge surge in applications for funding under the Rural Development (Leader) Programme coming up to the closing date, according to Joe Potter, CEO of Westmeath Community Development (WCD), which runs the programme.
“The programme is closed for applications for now, but we are continuing to talk to community groups and other people who are developing projects as there is a possibility that more funding could become available,” said Mr Potter.
“All of our good work has paid off and a huge number of projects were approved for funding in recent months.”
There had been some concern during the year that the full allocation of funds available to Westmeath would not be taken up, but it appears those fears were unfounded. Following a slow start, activity picked up significantly in 2012 and 2013, according to Mr Potter, resulting in almost €8 million being committed to projects under the current programme which has been running since 2009.
“Project promoters have invested a similar amount, which means a total investment of approximately €15 million has been made in rural development in the county in that period,” he said. He estimates that the total investment in rural development projects since the mid-90s, when the Leader programme first came to Westmeath, to be some €30 million.
Reflecting further on recent trends, he said that the virtual stagnation of the economy has presented huge challenges for potential entrepreneurs but that despite that, tourism, for example, continues to hold its own in the county and in the last year there has been renewed interest in expansion of facilities by people already in the business.
“Renewable energy is promising too but potential new entrants in all sectors are extremely cautious,” he says. On community development in general Mr Potter is upbeat and says the organisation was never busier.
“People have more time and space now to think about their own futures and the futures of their communities, and we are there to help them think their ideas through. We are meeting many people whose lives have changed for the better since the recession came.”
WCD maintains a website where people can get information on the full range of programme operated by the organisation. For example, 140 employment placements in community groups throughout the county are now provided in association with the Department of Social Protection under the Tús programme to complement the 33 people working on community projects under the Rural Social Scheme.
“Taken together with all of our other programmes in Mullingar and Athlone, it means we secure funding from the government and the EU annually to provide over €1 million in project grants and employment for about 250 people – one of the biggest employers in the county,” said Mr Potter.
WCD looking for new directors
Westmeath Community Development, the Local Development Company for County Westmeath, has two vacancies for new directors, representing social inclusion groups in the county.
These directors will represent the named target groups of the Local and Community Development Programme throughout the county, such as Travellers, the long-term unemployed, lone parents...
WCD is writing to all community and voluntary groups representing the various target groups on its database, and the Westmeath Community and Voluntary Forum is also contacting groups.
If you do not revive a form and if you or your group wishes to nominate one of your members, please complete the nomination form available for download at www.westcd.ie, or contact Westmeath Community Development at 044 9348571 or reception@westcd.ie for the nomination form and details.
Deadline for the return of forms is Tuesday October 15.
If the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies, an election will take place on Tuesday October 22 at 1pm at a venue to be decided. Any groups who have submitted a nomination will be contacted after October 15 with details regarding this.