Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of a new Government strategy aimed at strengthening and supporting the community and voluntary sector over the next five years.

The strategy, ‘Ar Scáth a Chéile: Promoting Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities’, sets out 43 commitments designed to support community organisations, strengthen their role in decision-making and ensure they have the resources and capacity to continue delivering vital services.

Minister Canney said: “Community and voluntary organisations are at the heart of towns, villages and rural communities throughout the country.

“From supporting older people and vulnerable families to providing community facilities, local services and opportunities for people to get involved, these organisations make an enormous contribution to everyday life.

“Much of this work is carried out by volunteers who give their time to improving their communities, and it is important that they have the support and resources needed to continue that work.

“This new strategy recognises the importance of giving communities a stronger voice in decisions that affect them, while also supporting organisations to develop the skills and capacity needed to meet future challenges.”

The strategy focuses on five key areas:

    • Enhanced participation and partnership
    • Training Standards and Capacity Building
    • Supportive Policy and Funding environment
    • Strengthened structure for engagement
    • Community and Voluntary Sectors at the centre of the response to Climate Change

The strategy also includes new commitments to strengthen engagement on an all-island basis through the Shared Island Initiative, support digitalisation and creative communities, and recognise the important role of community organisations in Gaeltacht areas.

The strategy was developed in partnership with representatives of the community and voluntary sector and will guide Government support for the sector over the next five years.