Derry City Council have thrown their weight behind a campaign to secure funding for an under threat community group after a horde of protestors thronged into Guildhall chambers on Tuesday afternoon. 

By Alan Healy

alan@derrynews.net 

Both staff and clients of the Good Morning Galliagh group and several community groups form across the city assembled outside the Guildhall with placards to protest against the Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie’s decision to withdraw funding for the group by August 31^st.

A group of up to fifty people, which included Oliver Green, Chairperson of Galliagh Community Development Group and Jimmy Doherty welfare rights manager with Galliagh Integrated Advices Services, both of whom resigned from their positions in protest last week, then made their way into council chambers.

The packed public gallery heard Tom Brennan of the Ballymacgroarty/Hazelbank Community Partnership call on council to task the Executive and explain the rationale behind the decision to cull funding for the affected services.

The SDLP’s Helen Quigley backed the call, adding that there was ‘high anxiety’ among community groups and services across the city with regards to looming doubts over future funding.

“These groups operate in the most vulnerable areas of our city, and provide frontline services,” she said.

“Neighbourhood Renewal did not cure all ills.

“So I propose that we as a council write to the Executive and request they make available necessary funding for these groups for another year.”

Cllr Quigley added that council also request ‘clarity and transparency’ in how these decisions are taken, and express their concern at the situation in ‘the most outright manner’. 

Emotive 

Meanwhile, Waterside Sinn Fein councillor Lynn Fleming added that she was also disappointed with the impact of Neighbourhood Renewal on the ground, adding that council must do all in their power to aid the affected groups.

“Voluntary is not just a word – people in these groups give up a lot of time an energy and it’s very disappointing  to have to come here today and see all those young people gathered out there,” she said.

Supporting the previous proposal, Cllr Fleming added that council demand that funding be extended until at least March next year to allow ‘breathing space’ for the groups affected.

The Mayor Drew Thompson welcomed all those in the public gallery and concern over what he described as a ‘very emotive issue’.

Alderman Thompson added that he would ensure the letter is delivered to the Minister.

The motion was passed unanimously, with all those in public gallery then departing to a chorus of claps.