A new programme of initiatives, including an entrepreneurs’ competition, a safe driving programme for second-level students and an ‘exchange of experience’ programme for community organisations, is to be rolled out under the Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund.
The new initiatives – which are based on three themes: enterprise, community development and safety – will be run in partnership with existing support and development agencies serving the Erris region.
The programme was unveiled to members of Erris community organisations and other guests at the Gateway Hotel in Belmullet last week and a 24-page colour booklet showcasing the projects and endeavours of many of those same community organisations, to which the Corrib Gas Partners have contributed over the last five years, was also launched.
Fiona Togher, community investment advisor with Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL ), explained the rationale behind the new programme of initiatives and how the programme was drawn up.
“Because of the existence of the new €8.5m Community Gain Investment Fund, administered by Mayo County Council, we recognised that the role of the Erris Development Fund needed to change. If both funds operated in the same way in such a small area, there is a danger that the sustainability of projects could be threatened. Therefore, we are ending our application-based system and replacing it with these new themed initiatives, which will run over the next three years.
“We came up with the three themes and with the programme for this year following extensive consultation with community groups in Erris and also with support agencies working locally. We believe that these initiatives will help to support small business, encourage and support entrepreneurship, provide training and support to community organisations and create a greater awareness and understanding of safety issues – in particular on the road and in the water,” she said.
Michael Crothers, managing director of SEPIL, explained the company’s philosophy when it comes to investing in the community.
“It is not about short term handouts – it is about long-term benefits in terms of facilities that improve the community and the quality of life in it, but equally importantly, it is about building new skills and capacity into the community that last through the project life and beyond. It is about partnership, about listening, about working together to help achieve common goals,” he said.
Special guest at the event was John Concannon, MD of JFC Manufacturing in Tuam and a man who has always believed in the power of community. John is currently spearheading a fundraising drive to set up a branch of Pieta House – a centre for suicide awareness and support services – to serve the Galway, Mayo and Roscommon region.
Speaking on the difficulties of the current economic climate, John Concannon encouraged businesses and community organisations in Erris to be clear on their vision and goals, to remain focused and to work in partnership as much as possible.
