'Rural groups finding it extremely difficult to access funding' - Cllr Declan Norris

Derry City and Strabane District councillors have unanimously backed Cllr Declan Norris’ proposal regarding the difficulties faced by rural community groups accessing funding. Cllr Norris represents the mainly rural Faughan District Electoral Area (DEA).

Raised on Wednesday afternoon at Council’s February plenary meeting, Cllr Norris’ motion was seconded by Cllr Brian Tierney (SDLP). 

Cllrs Shaun Harkin (PBP) and Caroline Devine (Sinn Féin), and Aldermen Julie Middleton (DUP) and Derek Hussey (UUP) spoke in favour of the motion, with Cllr Devine proposed an amendment to include the Derg and Sperrin DEAs which was accepted.

Cllr Norris’ full motion read: “This Council recognises that rural communities across the Faughan DEA within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area continue to experience persistent rural deprivation and increasing pressure on essential local services.

“Council notes that many rural areas do not benefit from Neighbourhood Renewal funding, yet face significant and ongoing challenges including: Rural isolation; Transport barriers; Health inequalities; Increasingly limited funding for core community services; and Increasingly limited support for overheads and running costs

“Council further acknowledges the vital role played by rural community and voluntary organisations in sustaining local services and supporting children, young people, families, and the wider community. However, many rural groups are now operating at or beyond capacity, with some facing the real risk of service reduction or closure due to financial pressures.

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“In light of the Draft Budget consultation closing on Tuesday 3rd March at 5pm, and in line with the commitments contained within New Decade, New Approach, this Council agrees to formally write to: The Minister for Finance and The Minister for Communities, calling for co-ordinated, cross-departmental investment, particularly through Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Department for Communities to ensure rural communities are not left behind.

“Council further believes that the ongoing Space and Place Review must take full account of the need to better support rural community groups through funding parity, ensuring that rural communities receive fair and equitable access to funding streams comparable to those available in urban areas.

“Accordingly, this Council calls on the Department of Finance to: Ensure meaningful inter-departmental partnership working to address rural disadvantage; Provide sustained and adequate funding for rural community and voluntary organisations; Enable communities to maintain and expand services, particularly in youth engagement, early intervention, and wellbeing; and Design funding frameworks that properly recognise rural challenges and provide flexibility for local delivery.

“This Council agrees to submit this position as part of its formal response to the Draft Budget consultation and to advocate strongly for rural communities within the Faughan DEA and across the wider district.