New funding sources sought for community groups in Galliagh

Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy held discussions with the group to explore the possibility of securing much needed additional funding streams for the organisation.

She said: “Martina Anderson [Foyle MLA] and I met with representatives of the Galliagh Women’s Group to see what work they carry out in the local community and more importantly trying to find ways they can secure funding to keep the project going.

“Like community projects everywhere they are finding it hard to get funding streams and were very disappointed to get turned down for a recent funding application from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

“It’s important that we do all we can to keep the doors of these projects which are embedded in the community open. Because we have found in the past that once we lose a service it’s very hard to replace.”

Meanwhile, the Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has said she will work with the Galliagh Residents’ Centre to look at its level of resources.

Ms. Anderson asked the minister if she would engage with the group to ‘identify and explore potential funding options, in line with the submission of a robust business case, to undertake refurbishment works at the centre, which has been operating out of a portacabin since 2000.”

The Minister stated: “Officials from my Department continue to engage and work with representatives of Galliagh Residents’ Centre to assist in the development of this project and their application for funding. In making an application there is no guarantee of funding. All applications are subject to a robust economic appraisal and budget availability. I have asked my officials to continue to work with Galliagh Residents’ Centre to explore funding options.”

She was also asked to help St. Joseph’s Community Playgroup advance its plans for a new outdoor play space and enhanced services and activities for children and families.

She said: “My officials continue to engage with St Joseph’s Community Playgroup and I am pleased to learn that work is well advanced on this project.

“I understand that the project has been delayed subject to agreeing a lease with the local Catholic Diocese. I have asked my officials to continue to engage with all involved to achieve resolution and work with St. Joseph’s Community Playgroup to explore funding options. In making an application there is no guarantee of funding. All applications are subject to a robust economic appraisal and budget availability.”

Ms. Anderson has asked DfC to help the Rainbow Child and Family Centre in Galliagh with its proposals to advance plans to extend its car park and fence line.

“My officials continue to engage with Rainbow Child and Family Centre on the development of this project. I am pleased to learn that this project is well advanced however there is some delay as the group still needs to provide evidence to my Department of land transfer from Housing Executive. I have asked my officials to work with all involved to resolve this issue.

“In making an application there is no guarantee of funding. All applications are subject to a robust economic appraisal and budget availability,” said Ms. Ní Chuilín.