The recently established Creeslough Working Group has said that it is delighted by offers from the community for work within the area following the tragedy in the village last October.
The group was proposed following a Special Meeting of Donegal County Council on 18th October 2022.
The purpose of this Group is to identify development and regeneration projects to support the local community on their journey of healing and renewal and to assist in the delivery of same.
The first meeting of the Group took place on 20th December 2022 and since then the Group has met on three further occasions.
The work of the Group to date has focussed on:
- The identification of potential projects/areas of work;
- Liaison with supporting Consultancy Services, statutory agencies and potential funding bodies;
- Continued informal community engagement;
- Consideration of arrangements for formal community consultation; and
- Securing funding for the employment of community support workers.
The Group would like to acknowledge that funding of €497,000 (over three years) has been secured from the Department of Rural and Community Development for the provision of community support services, including the employment of key community support workers. These services will be provided through the Creeslough Community Association and the recruitment process and associated work will now commence to progress the implementation of same. The Group would like to sincerely thank Minister Heather Humphreys TD and her Department for their support and assistance in this regard.
The Group would also like to acknowledge that a number of organisations have offered their services, pro bono, to assist the work of renewal and regeneration in the village. The Group wishes to acknowledge the sincerity and comprehensive nature of the offers received and looks forward to the important role they will play in enriching the process of consultation and project development work in the village.
Good progress has been made to date with preparations for project development work and once completed the next step will be to meet and consult with the community. The Group is extremely conscious that its purpose is to serve the renewal, regeneration and developmental needs of the village and that in this regard it cannot move forward without prior community consultation. This will be an important step in the process. It is acknowledged however that it will also be challenging for many members of the community and therefore the group has been taking time to consider the best approach to ensure all voices are heard.
Further notice of community consultation arrangements will be confirmed in due course, but they will not now take place until after April.
Otherwise the Working Group would like to confirm that its’ work is non-monetary and is proceeding on a voluntary and pro bono basis.
