Fianna Fail TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue has welcomed the announcement that the Slieve Sneacht Centre, Drumfries and the Malin Head Community Centre have been successful in their recent application to Pobal for funding under the Community Services Programme.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) gives grants to community businesses that deliver services and create employment for people from disadvantaged groups.
Deputy McConalogue said, “This funding is a very welcome boost for the Slieve Sneacht Centre and the Malin Head Community Centre. The additional jobs which will be rolled out as a result of this allocation will not only provide employment opportunities for the local communities, but will also ensure that these centres will have the necessary staffing levels and resources to ensure that facilities are maintained and expanded.
“The importance of this funding to these groups cannot be underestimated. Many of these community run centres do not have the resources to employ people directly so these allocations will have a major impact on their sustainability. I know Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh appointed a manager along with an additional staff member earlier this year under the Community Services Programme and they are delighted with the impact staff have had on their centre; the number of services which they provide has increased and weekly footfall has grown by over 30% in the last year.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish these groups every success with their new staff and I was delighted to be able to assist them in the application process,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.