On Tuesday, 8th September over 1200 took part in Siptu’s march to protest against cuts in Community Development Projects.
A makeshift coffin marking the proposed death of the community sector if an Bord Snip Nua It’s part of an ongoing campaign which will culminate in a larger community sector march on September 30th. Groups came from all over Ireland to defend the jobs and services in the community service.
What are CDPs?
CDPs are involved in a range of programmes including childcare, meals on wheels, after-schools projects, youth groups, literacy and drug rehabilitation to name a few. They support the most vulnerable people in the most vulnerable communities including children, lone parents, the elderly, young people, recovering drug addicts and the disabled.
“Since DCRGA cut funding by 15%, CDPs have been living on a knife edge, reducing staff, cutting hours and services. If McCarthy’s recommendation for cuts of €44 million in funding for CDPs and Local Partnerships is implemented schemes across the country will be forced to close,” said SIPTU Organiser, Darragh O’Connor.
“The implications of such closures are stark. Disadvantaged communities will be further undermined and there will be consequences for crime, employment, training, education, and anti-social behaviour,” he said.
