Truagh Development Association to receive €146,000 per annum in funding under the Community Services Programme 2007- 2009.

 

Truagh Development Association (TDA) with the support of Julie Clarke, Community Economic Development Officer with County Monaghan Partnership and Kate Burns of First Western Consultants submitted a business plan application for funding under the Community Services Programme in early 2007.  In October 2007, the TDA received notification that funding towards the employment of a manager and 4.5 full-time equivalents would be awarded to them for 2007-2009.  The Community Services Programme (CSP) which is funded by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs under the National Development Plan 2007-2016, aims to support community businesses and social enterprises to deliver local services and employment opportunities for particularly disadvantaged groups in society. 

  

The main aim of the Blackwater Valley Community Services Programme is to develop a cradle-to-grave community support infrastructure that sustainably enhances the quality of life of all members of our community and addresses disadvantage for those most excluded or at risk of exclusion.  A community consultation was conducted in the area in 2006 and it was from this that the priorities for the CSP were identified.  The main initiatives, which the CSP will deliver are:

 

TDA’s Community Services Programme will be based in the multi-million Euro Blackwater Community Learning Cultural, ICT and Peace Centre at Ballyoisin (BVLC).  This centre currently houses a primary school, a pre-school, ICT Centre and Community Peace Building Centre.  The project will also service the three outreach centres of Clara, Carrickroe and Errigal to ensure maximum benefit to, and engagement of, the whole community.

 

Marian Dudley was recruited as Development Manager in January 2008.  Since then, others have joined the team and they include: Jackie McKenna; Josie Brady, Nuala McGinnity, Danny Gallagher, Joe Rooney, Angela Kelly and Roberte Ferrand.  The team is still looking to fill two positions of cook and catering assistant.

This CSP will expand BVLC as a centre of excellence for learning, capacity building and social inclusion and will also build capacity to fully utilize the outreach centres. The CSP represents a pivotal stage in the TDA strategy represented by history and projects that it has developed and delivered. The organization’s focus will continue to move from capital and infrastructure development to meeting focused, targeted social and economic needs and addressing disadvantage in its various forms.