LIMERICK County Councillors expressed their support for a motion tabled by Adare Councillor Leo Walsh calling on the Council to continue their support for Ballyhoura Development Limited and West Limerick Resources. The motion was tabled in response to fears that the organisations are under threat from proposed local government reforms which would see a socio-economic committee established in local authorities that may replace the Leader scheme.
Cllr Walsh told the meeting: “People in communities have seen what the likes of Ballahura Development and West Limerick Resources are doing for rural communities. They have brought life back into villages and towns…it would be detrimental if it was to be changed. When something is working, why should we change it?”
Kilmallock Councillor Bill O’Donnell described the schemes as “a lifeline for marginalised people”.
He said: “Local development agencies operate on a local basis; that’s what they do and that’s what they do best. They get to people that we can’t get to and the government can’t get to.”
In relation to funding earmarked specifically for rural development, Castleconnell Councillor John Egan demanded: “Where will that leave rural areas affected when the city boundary is extended into rural areas?”
Rathkeale Councillor Stephen Keary commented: “The model that’s currently in place has been cited as the envy of mainland Europe. I’ve seen the invaluable work that’s taken place.”
He added that he hoped that any involvement by the local authority in the future running of the schemes would see funding ringfenced for the projects.