22/02/2008

€83k Allocated For Traveller Support Project

Allocation of almost €83,000 has been announced for funding for a Traveller support project in County Clare.

The allocation to the Clare Community and Enterprise Section of Clare County Council is from a special Extension Fund for projects already supported by the Traveller Interagency Fund.

Minister of State Tony Killeen said the funds would greatly assist Clare County Council in delivering upon commitments made in its 'Strategy for Co-ordination of Public Services to the Travelling Community in Clare 2005 - 2008'.

The strategy, now in its second year, was developed by means of an extensive consultation process with agencies and Travellers. In total, 23 statutory and local agencies and over 100 members of the Traveller community took part in various working groups around Clare.

"I have been informed by my colleague Minister of State with responsibility for Equality Issues, Sean Power, that the funds will be invested in education and after school support, a key element of the Council's strategy," explained Minister Killeen.

He continued: "In recent years, both settled people and Travellers alike have had to adjust to the new pressures and changes associated with the evolution of Ireland's economy.

"Never before has there been so much opportunity in the country and it is absolutely vital that the Travelling community access and use those opportunities to make a better life all round for the future. Government initiatives such as the Traveller Interagency Fund allow for this to happen."

Clare received 26% of the overall funds announced this week by Minister of State with responsibility for Equality Issues, Sean Power.

(JM)

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