Press release
Minister Joe O’Brien visits community initiatives in Waterford
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Joe O’Brien, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Social Protection, today visited projects and community initiatives supported by his departments in County Waterford.
The Minister’s visit started in the South East Technological University (WIT) Arena, Carraiganore with the launch of Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme - #CommunityWorks! Booklet.
The booklet is a snapshot of activities and achievements of some community groups across Waterford City and County.
Speaking at the launch Minister O’Brien said:
“I’m very pleased to visit a number of projects and initiatives in Waterford today where the commitment and energy of those working in the Community and Voluntary sector is palpable. I am happy to launch the #CommunityWorks! Booklet as it really is a true reflection of the wealth of work happening day in and day out to help make our local communities inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable places to live."
The Minister then went on to the Waterford Crystal Sports Centre where the Ukrainian Rest Centre is located. The centre is providing accommodation to arrivals from the war.
The next stop in the Minister’s itinerary was a visit to the Waterford Volunteer Centre, where he unveiled a plaque to mark its official opening.
The Minister said:
“My department’s funding to Volunteer Centres is designed to strengthen and foster volunteering in Ireland. Volunteering makes a huge contribution to our quality of life, and to the vibrancy of our communities. There are now more people volunteering than ever before, people who make a real difference in so many ways in our communities. It is heartening to see the warm welcome that is being shown to arrivals to this community from Ukraine. I ask that we all continue to extend this warm welcome.”
Minister O’Brien continued to St Patrick’s Gateway Centre where he met with a number of community groups involved in a range of projects including Mukisa. This is a training and education programme that promotes migrant integration in Waterford.
The Minister also met volunteers from the Modeligo Community and those involved with the Waterford Foodbank, which is helping to address food poverty in the county.
Speaking about his visit to Waterford, Minister O’Brien concluded:
"The visit to the Ukrainian Rest Centre is significant as today is Europe day - a day each year when Europe commemorates the signing of the 'Schuman Declaration' on 9 May 1950. The Schuman Plan was an ambitious plan to secure long-term peace in post-war Europe – and is considered the beginning of what is today’s European Union. It is fantastic to visit Waterford and to see the great work that these communities and volunteers are doing with support of the Departments of Rural and Community Development and Social Protection, as well as broader Government.”
SICAP assists both individuals and groups through a two-pronged approach; supporting communities and supporting individuals. SICAP target groups include; children and families living in disadvantaged areas, lone parents, new communities (including refugees/asylum seekers), people living in disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities, Roma, the unemployed (including those not on the Live Register), travellers, and young unemployed people living in disadvantaged areas.
Waterford Area Partnership was established in November 1995. It is one of 49 Local Development Companies operating throughout Ireland.
Local Development Companies (LDCs) are governed by partnerships between the state and community & voluntary sector with a mission to deliver programmes and services that meet the needs of local communities and improve the quality of life for our citizens. Our programmes and services cover areas such as; rural development & community development, addressing food poverty, employment training & access, education & personal development opportunities, start your own business / social enterprise and climate action.
Waterford Area Partnership is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation that takes a bottom up approach to the development of local services and programmes and welcomes engagement from all groups and individuals who align with our values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Some projects visited by the Minister included:
Mukisa (Asylum Seeker and Migrant Integration Fund) – training and education programme is a Waterford Area Partnership project. SICAP provides support to individuals on the course and under Goal 1 we promote we Waterford Migrant Integration Forum and other community groups.
Waterford Foodbank – addresses food poverty in Waterford City and is a project of Waterford Area Partnership. SICAP links families, through our community groups with supports including weekly food parcels and annual school kit programme. During COVID-19 we worked in ensuring Roma, Migrant and Traveller families were provided with food parcels and other materials.
Modeligo Community – volunteers renovated local Parish House for Ukrainian families and is a positive example of community working together. SICAP is linking with the group to discuss supports and funding/equipment we can provide. Key focus for group is the refurbishment which has been acknowledged on RTE this week.
Mincéirí Port Lairge (Traveller CDP) SICAP works strongly with the organisation in providing supports to the staff, committee and members of the community. Goal 1 is actively involved in providing supports with grants, strategic planning and as members of Waterford Traveller Interagency Group we provided funding to the development of TIG Strategic Plan 2021-2024.
Goal 2 have developed a programme of pre-employment courses including Safe Pass, Manual Handling and Beauty Therapy in the past 8 months. Follow on supports are being identified in career guidance and CV preparation.
Atelier Roma Project – training, education & advocacy project for members of the Roma Community with both Men and Women’s groups participating in weekly programmes. SICAP is engaged with the project through provision of pre-employment training through Goal 2. Goal 1 actively supported the project during COVID-19 through provision of food and care parcels and grant applications.
Waterford Migrant Integration Strategy & Forum – SICAP Goal 1 is a member of Waterford LCDC Working Sub-group and supported establishment of the Migrant Forum and Migrant Integration Strategy 2021-2024. Part funding Project Worker with LCDC to progress strategy recommendations/actions in 2022.
Staff also provide support to the Forum in governance, funding applications, planning and participation on LCDC Strategy Working Group.