Dungiven councillor defends support group's decision to apply for funding from renewable energy producer

A Sinn Féin councillor and chairperson of a Dungiven-based support group has spoken out to defend his decision to apply for funding from renewable energy producer, ERG.

The company, which produces wind and solar energy and has operations throughout the world, recently awarded £25,000 to St. Canice’s Support Group in Dungiven, through its Community Benefit Fund, helping those affected by addiction.

Working alongside the Dungiven Community Response Group and Glenshane Community Development, St. Canice’s Support Group helps connect individuals and families with essential services, workshops and community support to help deal with addiction and the associated challenges.

Over the past three years, the charity has been successful in its application to the ERG Community Benefit Fund, receiving £5,000 in the first year and £10,000 in each of the following two years.

The recent ERG funding will cover facilitation costs for a support worker to join St. Canice’s Support Group. It will also fund valuable resources, materials, training costs, and the preparation and provision of essentials and meals for service users.

Local Sinn Féin councillor and chairperson of the Dungiven Community Response Group, Sean McGlinchey said members of the community, who are opposed to the erection of wind turbines, have expressed discontent over the organisation accepting the funding.

“Companies like ERG have been here about 20 years and all other community groups in the locality have availed of funding so why shouldn’t we?” he said.

“People are entitled to oppose wind turbines and I respect that, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however as a local councillor I am fully entitled to support my own community and if that means applying for funding then we will be doing that.”

Councillor McGlinchey continued: “This service is a lifeline for many locals, but sadly, we lose at least one service user every year. Without funding from organisations like ERG, we simply couldn’t continue to offer this support. Seeing the impact, whether it’s a friendly chat during home visits or watching someone turn their life around, our support makes all the difference.

“For the last three years this organisation has been delivering 30 hot meals a week to the most vulnerable in our community, we have been providing food vouchers, oil and coal and just last week I went to three different families and gave them £60 each - every single thing is very well documented and accounted for.

“I respect people’s views and opinions but I will continue to represent our vulnerable and if that means applying for funding that is available to us then that’s what will continue to happen.” 

Colum McNicholl, Treasurer of St. Canice’s GAC, added: “During lockdown, St. Canice’s GAC began distributing food across Dungiven, and we quickly realised just how many people were struggling with addiction. It can be an isolating disease, and for some, our home visits are their main source of social connection. Our priority is to support those in need while ensuring they retain their dignity.

“Thanks to ERG’s funding, we have been able to expand and enhance our services, providing essential support that helps people regain stability, a sense of normality and take meaningful steps towards their recovery.”