Copy of letter Published in the Letter to the Editor Section of the Sunday Independent, 19th May 2013

Madam – We wish to correct a number of serious inaccuracies in the article by John Drennan (Sunday Independent, May 12, 2013) regarding the operation of LEADER and the Local Development Companies.

We are independent not-for-profit companies – not state companies, as described in the article. Local Development Companies consist of voluntary board members and operate to government-recommended salary scales, including those of the CEOs.

Furthermore, administration expenditure by our companies is capped by both the EU and IrishGovernment and all companies are required to operate within these caps without exception.

In the LEADER Programme for example, our administration levels are below those of similar public sector bodies and the local authorities. It is also totally inaccurate to suggest the Local Development Companies are spending “scandalous sums” on administration and that significant administration costs are diverting resources away from frontline services.

The reality is that Local Development Companies are always seeking on-going efficiencies across all areas of operations to ensure frontline services continue to be delivered.

As for being companies that provide “small grants to small enterprises, community projects and rural development”, the reality is very different. Under LEADER, our companies can provide development aid of up to €500,000 to strategic community-development projects and up to €200,000 to flagship private-sector projects with the department’s approval.

The minister recently announced the release of €90m to Local Development Companies to support projects already approved in principle by our companies.

Minister Phil Hogan‘s controversial ‘alignment’ policy seeks to bring all of the programmes and functions of the Local Development Companies under the remit of the local authority structure. This policy, which would take away the independence of successful and cost-efficient Local Development Companies, is increasingly being recognised as fundamentally flawed – as illustrated by the recent open letter from 22 leading academics in the sector.

It is time for the Government to drop the ‘spin’ and engage in a real debate and agreement about the future of the Local Development Companies.

John Walsh,
Acting Chairman,
Irish Local Development Network

Date: Monday 20th May, 2013
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen.

The meeting will present a number of speakers who will discuss a range of issues likely to be of interest to communities throughout West Cork.  The issues include proposed changes in the operation of West Cork Rural Transport Scheme; possible changes to the payment of social welfare through local post offices as well as proposals to “align” local authority and local development company functions. The meeting will seek to explore fully the implications and consequences of the proposed changes and their likely impacts on rural communities in West Cork.  There will be ample opportunity on the night for lively, informed discussion and debate.

In relation to the alignment proposals, there has been much comment in the media and elsewhere on the consequences that the changes, if implemented, would have for local development companies, their ethos, independence, values and sustainability.  Moreover many local stakeholders and communities have expressed their reservations and concerns on the matter, noting the important contribution that local development companies such as the West Cork Development Partnership has made to economic and community development through multiple programmes and supports such as LEADER, the Local Community Development Programme/LDSIP, the Rural Social Scheme, the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, the Walks and Rural Recreation Scheme, Tus and others  over the last twenty years. The summary document issued by the WCDP, and available on the WCDP website, goes some way to explaining the alignment proposal and its likely consequences.

It should be stated that the West Cork Development Partnership, the Irish Local Development Network and others have sought to engage constructively on the much needed policy, structural and programme changes required for effective local community and economic development. Proposals to  advance this and present viable alternative models, based on best international practice, research and evidence can be viewed in the ILDN Position Paper on Local Government Reform on the WCDP website.

I trust that the matter will be of interest to you and you may wish to offer your views and perspectives on the night.  Should you require any further information or clarification on any point, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Ian Dempsey
Chief Executive Officer

(1) The Dawn Chorus Walk:  4^th May: Saturday morning assemble at Ahanafunsion Bridge at 4.30am for a guided walk along the River Ilen to hear the first of the birdsong. The walk will be led by a Kathleen Keane and Lesley Lewis, Tea will be provided afterwards by the ICA ladies at the Top of the Rock.

(2) The Mullaghmesha Walk: 4th May:  This will leave the Castledonovan Carpark at 10am. It will be led my Mike O Sullivan and will take 3.5 hours to complete.

(3) The Nowen Hill Walk:  6th May. Monday morning meet at 10am at the Cullinagh Lake car park. This 3 hour walk to the top of Nowen Hill was a great success last year. There will be a historical and natural history commentary provided by David Ross.

For more information and contact details please visit:

http://drimoleaguewalkway.com/2013/04/04/feile-beag-walking-programme-may-4th-6th-2013/

Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the historic sites on Whiddy Island, one of West Cork’s many island gems and your guide will share the island’s stories with you while you explore its walking routes.

All walks will be led by expert local hikers, and each of them will share stories and local knowledge with you throughout the festival. Bantry’s famous bay is rich in history, as well as beauty, and biodiversity, and the Bantry Walking Festival offers visitors a great chance to try out the area’s many walking routes during an exhilarating and convivial weekend.  Activities for the whole family will include a treasure trail, and family walks.

Please register in advance by logging on to www.bantrywalkingfestival.com

This is a walk to raise awareness that being Physically Active is one of the most important steps that you can take to improve your well-being whatever your age or ability.

This is a great chance to meet other people just like you & make a positive step to a healthy and more active lifestyle.

Regular physical activity is a great way to help you feel and look good.

Come join in the fun for an enjoyable day, with breath-taking surroundings, of the Sheep’s Head peninsula.

Date: Sunday 28^th April 2013

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Meeting & End Point: Arundels “By the Pier” Ahakista 

For Further details, please follow this link 

http://www.southernstar.ie/News/Newly-developed-walk-The-Cellmount-Loop-at-Dromillihy-Woods-Connonagh-26032013.htm

• Communicating Your Cause on A Shoestring: 
   - 11 April 2013 (9.30am -1.00pm)
• Making the Governance Code Deliver for Your Organisation: 
  - 18 April 2013 (9.15am – 1.00pm)
• Writing a Business Plan for Your Social Enterprise: 
  13-16 May 2013 (12.00pm – 7.00pm)
• Diversifying Your Income Streams:
  16 May 2013 (9.30am – 1.00pm)

For more information contact the Wheel at (0)1 454 8727 or info@wheel.ie or log on to https://www.wheel.ie/