Áisitheoir Pobail in Gaeltacht na nDéise job axed

Áisitheoir Pobail in Gaeltacht na nDéise job axed


Local Sinn Fein Councillor Brendan Mansfield, was informed by a member of Comhlacht Forbartha na nDéise, during the week that funding was ceasing for the role of Áisitheoir Pobail in Gaeltacht na nDéise on the 19th of February. This is due to lack of funding from MFG, Meitheal Forbartha na nGaeltachta. MFG was founded in 1991 to implement the LEADER programme in Gaeltacht areas countrywide. The main aim of MFG is to empower communities through guidance; by encouraging self-confidence and self-development throughout the community in every aspect of community life. This includes economic development and development in social, cultural and environmental arenas. It is not only their endeavour to listen to the communities, but to pay attention to them. They pay particular attention to the needs of women and young people, and to challenges facing people living in remote areas. Job losses will also occur in Co. Meath and in West Cork.
The main role of the Áisitheoir Pobail is to help voluntary groups and individuals source funding, education and assistance from Government bodies. Currently there is an Áisitheoir Pobail and an Áisitheoir Teanga employed in Gaeltacht na nDéise under Comhlacht Forbartha na nDéise. This is a non profit company consisting of 3 representatives from An Rinn, 3 from An Sean Phobal and 1 independent member. Funding will continue for the Áisitheoir Teanga until next year. Funding for the role of Áisitheoir Pobail was available since 2006. Anne-Marie, the current Áisitheoir Pobail, was available to meet members of the community in Halla Phobail na Rinne or in Fó-Oifig Údarás na nGaeltachta in An Sean Phobail. Anne-Marie was involved in the set up of the parent and toddler groups in the Gaeltacht, she also ensured that local notes were sent in both Irish and English, to the local papers each week, keeping the community informed of local happenings. Anne-Marie also assisted in the setting up and running of evening classes through Irish in both parishes.
Currently there are discussions on going in relation to changes to the structure of the governing bodies of the Gaeltacht. It is thought that there will be one body distributing funding to all the Gaeltacht areas, this will result in more job losses.