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Deprived area schemes 'at risk' | Deprived area schemes 'at risk' |
(30 minutes later) | |
Hundreds of community sector jobs could be at risk, according to the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action. | Hundreds of community sector jobs could be at risk, according to the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action. |
It warned the sector was in crisis over the Department of Social Development's failure to approve funding for Neighbourhood Renewal schemes. | It warned the sector was in crisis over the Department of Social Development's failure to approve funding for Neighbourhood Renewal schemes. |
The schemes provide community services in deprived areas across Northern Ireland, but in Belfast many groups are still waiting for funding. | The schemes provide community services in deprived areas across Northern Ireland, but in Belfast many groups are still waiting for funding. |
An emergency meeting is being held on Thursday to discuss the situation. | An emergency meeting is being held on Thursday to discuss the situation. |
Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey said about 150 groups were worried their projects would cease to exist. | Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey said about 150 groups were worried their projects would cease to exist. |
"Certainly I'm getting a feeling of crisis because organisations are fearful, they see themselves going to the wall in terms of the services they provide," he said. | "Certainly I'm getting a feeling of crisis because organisations are fearful, they see themselves going to the wall in terms of the services they provide," he said. |
Patricia McKeown from public service union Unison said they would be looking for answers. | |
"This is a scheme that was budgeted for, the money should be available," she said. | |
"I don't know what's happening inside the department, but the trade union movement has a meeting with government at the highest level next week and this is going to feature as a key item on the agenda. | |
"It is a double hit, it's vulnerable jobs in vulnerable communities and it's the services inside the community as well." |