Cllr O’Dowd demands answers over decision to axe CAVA
Issued : Sunday 5 December, 2010
Labour councillor Virginia O’Dowd has called on the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, to explain why it was decided to axe organisations such as North Tipperary voluntary forum, CAVA, under the Government’s four-year plan.
“CAVA has been instrumental in bringing the best out of local communities throughout North Tipperary since its inception. It has worked with local groups to give them a platform to develop and promote their work. It was a one-stop shop for everything from giving advice, calling meetings and helping to secure funding.
All of these groups are voluntary organisations, and rely on the expertise of people in CAVA, such as development officer Noirin Leamy in North Tipperary, to help progress their ideas and find a way through many of the bureaucratic obstacles that they may face while looking for funding. With people such as Noirin gone, these groups will now be left in isolation to seek grant aid or to liaise with similar groups throughout the county,” said Cllr O’Dowd.
She called on Minister Gormley to explain the rationale for the cut.
“Other than cost saving, what is the rationale behind the entire abolition of the support budget. The CAVA forums were set up as part of the Better Local Government Initiative in an effort to facilitate equal representation from the community and voluntary in local government. I believe that this structure has been extremely constructive and positive,” she said.
Cllr O’Dowd also wanted to know what mechanisms are envisaged, if any, to ensure the continued work of community and voluntary forums.
The North Tipperary and Nenagh town councillor also said that there was a lot of skills and knowledge bult up over the years and she wants the Minister to ensure that these skills and knowledge will not be lost within the voluntary sector.
“I believe that the loss of supports as proposed in the National Recovery Plan, would completely undermine the role of CAVA, particularly at a time when local anda community infrastructure is essential in maintaining morale and cohesiveness within local communities,“ said Cllr O’Dowd.
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