Dungiven councillor defends charity's decision to apply for ERG funding

A Dungiven councillor has spoken out about the 'vital' work a local support group does and has defended its decision to apply for funding from a renewable energy company.

Councillor Sean McGlinchey’s comments come after St Canice’s Support Group received backlash from members of the Dungiven community following news that it had received £15,000 from ERG’s Community Benefit Fund.

An open letter sent to the County Derry Post by local business owners also questioned the organisation's work.

Working alongside the Dungiven Community Response Group, Glenshane Community Development and mental health organisation ALPS, the charity helps connect individuals and families with essential services, workshops and community support to help deal with a variety of issues, including addiction and the associated challenges.

Councillor McGlinchey, who is a committee member of St Canice’s Support Group, explained that the cross community group was set up during Covid to help the most vulnerable individuals in the community.

“When Covid happened, we decided we would set up teams within each estate in the Dungiven area and deliver food parcels, do pharmacy runs, anything we could do really.  We thought it would be best if we did cross community too as we are all the one community at the end of the day,” the Sinn Féin man explained.  

“When Covid came to an end, we saw the need that was out there for the vulnerable people in the area so we decided to keep it going.”

The organisation issues up to £300 worth of food vouchers every month and supplies 30 hot dinners via a local business every week.

In addition, it supplies sticks and coal to vulnerable members of the community.

“If anybody needs anything they approach us and we try our best to go and provide it,” continued Councillor McGlinchey.

The group received charity status after it linked up with St Canice’s GAC which was commended by the Ulster Council for its work within the community during the pandemic.

Councillor McGlinchey said the funding received from renewable energy organisation ERG was 'put back into the community' and he stated that they will continue to apply for grants in the future.

“I fully support getting the funding from renewable energy companies such as ERG. A lot of community groups and schools here in the town and right across the county do the same so why shouldn’t we?  I fully support them and will continue to fully support them,” he continued.

“I respect people who have different views, particularly when it comes to wind farms and these turbine companies, but as a committee we will continue to apply for grants.  We have done this for the community without shouting about it and it is regrettable that we have to go to the press to explain this.  Everything we do is all above board, we are open and transparent and we are willing to sit down with anyone who is questioning the work we do and explain this to them.  It may not be perfect but the work we are doing is vital.”