Schemes to forgo state funding

A NUMBER of community schemes based in disadvantaged areas have decided to refuse any further state funding due to what they claim are attempts to silence those seeking to give voice to the marginalised.

Last night, Minister for Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey was informed by the representatives of several Community Development Projects (CDP) that they no longer wished to be considered for funding through the state agency Pobal.

On her way to meet government officials yesterday evening, CDP coordinator Kathleen O’Neill said there were two key reasons why schemes she represents in the Kilbarrack area of north Dublin would now forgo state funding and operate on a voluntary basis.