Donegal TD Joe McHugh has welcomed more than €93,000 funding under the Clár programme for a number of First Responder organisations in the county.
“With these organisations benefiting from such valuable funding and financial support this Government is investing in efforts to save lives,” Mr McHugh said.
“From Ardara, to Falcarragh, to Sheephaven and further afield this Government is demonstrating the importance of supporting community-based organisations and the selfless work that they do.
“It’s when we are in most need that we turn to these First Responders and I want to thank them for their life-saving efforts. They deserve our utmost respect.”
Under the latest round of Clár funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development Donegal Mountain Rescue has been awarded €18,718 to purchase equipment; Donegal Community Rapid Response €28,156 also for equipment; Falcarragh First Responders receive €6,630 for equipment; Ardara Cardiac First Responders secured €11,339 to cover costs for a defibrillator and equipment; and Sheephaven Sub Aqua Club has been granted €28,290 for equipment.
Mr McHugh, Government Chief Whip, added: “Rural communities benefit hugely from the Clár funding programme and this latest support is investing in people who put the lives of others ahead of themselves.
“Many volunteers sacrifice their time, skills and energy for the betterment of communities around the county and I am delighted that my Government colleague Michael Ring T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development, has focused so intently on this area.
“It is the third week in row that Minister Ring has been able to announce funding under Clár in Donegal. We have had hundreds of thousands announced for school safety and play areas and now more than €93,000 on First Responders.
“This kind of financial support is a world away from damage wrought on community groups by forced cuts from the broken economy left behind by Fianna Fáil.”
Mr McHugh added: “A third week in a row of Clár funding announcements should also put to bed, once and for all, the unfounded criticism about the extent of Clár funding in Donegal and these consistent approach is further proof of it were needed that the Fine Gael Government is delivering for Donegal and that rural support programmes are high on the agenda.”
