Ritchie extends funding in Derry

Ms Ritchie stated: “I can confirm that my Department will extend existing contracts for funding up to 31 March 2008, for all those Community groups in Derry who are providing services that link to the new Neighbourhood Action Plans.”

Refuting suggestions that Neighbourhood Renewal funding had been stopped or was under review, Ms Ritchie stated:

“Can I say I was disappointed to hear about the concerns that arose last week in Derry about Neighbourhood Renewal funding.

“At no time have I, or my officials, suggested that Neighbourhood Renewal funding to community groups in Derry would cease.

“On the contrary, I have only been looking at approving extension funding for those community groups whose current contracts with DSD expire on 30 June.

“I also want to say how unhelpful it has been to have some people put out rumours that heighten concerns. I have been told that if we fund some Citywide Groups in Derry, this will result in other groups losing their funding.

“That is not the case. All community groups, citywide or otherwise, currently funded by DSD providing key services in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas will be eligible to seek extension funding.

“The key criteria will be that they are addressing priority needs in these most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.”

Turning to the future funding of the community and voluntary sector generally, Ms Ritchie stated:

“Of course, there are wider issues about sustainability and the funding of the voluntary and community sector. These fall to all departments and I believe require a coordinated approach. This is a matter that I hope to take forward in the Executive.”