The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection this week announced funding of €16 million for 27 projects across Ireland to support young people with disabilities.
As the above map shows, there are no organisations above the Dublin-Galway line included in the programme. The 27 projects are set to receive grants of €200,000 – €750,000 for the delivery of the Ability Programme to assist young people in their transition from school to further education, training and employment.
Local volunteer groups such as iCARE in Buncrana have expressed their disappointment with the lack of local funding allocations. “Are there no young people with disabilities North of Dublin or Galway? We have lots of young people accessing iCARE and are in urgent need of funding,” a group member commented.
Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has said the allocation is a ‘disgrace’ which graphically highlights the state’s neglect of the North West when shown on a map.
Speaking today Teachta Doherty said; “We in the North West are acutely aware of the state’s neglect of this region but the graphic doing the rounds on social media is shocking all the same.
“Just one allocation of funding was provided north of a line from Dublin to Galway with nothing in Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo or Donegal.
“I’m keenly aware that there was a very good proposal made by a group in Donegal that I along with the group and other public reps met the Minister with in the last few weeks.
“This announcement will come as a severe blow to the groups in Donegal who have provided services to the people of Donegal without any state support for over a decade.
“The Minister must reassess this allocation and ensure that those with disabilities in the North West are not ignored.
“Does the government believe that we have no young disabled people in this region?
“This is a disgrace and I will be raising it with the Minister when the Dáil resumes next week.”
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