€3.4m announced for Volunteering Initiatives

 John Curran T.D., Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy, Community Affairs and Integration, at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, today announced a funding package of €3.4 million in 2010 to promote volunteering. The majority of the funding is to support a network of 22 Volunteer Centres across the country. The role of these centres is to match members of the public interested in volunteering with local community organisations seeking volunteers.  The Minister also announced that funding would be provided to two new Volunteer Centres, in Clare and Longford, for the first time.

 The Minister also announced the amalgamation of the Volunteer Centres in Limerick and West Limerick.  Limerick Volunteer Centre will also operate from a third location in Ballyhoura.

 The 2010 budget for volunteering will be just 4.5% lower than in 2009, reflecting the Government’s continuing priority to support active citizenship. Funding is also provided under this measure to organisations such as Board Match and Young Social Innovators, which encourage volunteering amongst professionals and students.

 Announcing the funding Minister Curran said:

 “In 2009 the number of volunteers registering at the network of Volunteer Centres increased by over 100%, underlining the valuable role being played by Volunteer Centres nationwide. In these challenging times it is important that dynamic individuals are given the opportunity to make a difference within their communities. The giving of time for others strengthens the fabric of our societies and defines the communities in which we live.

I am especially delighted to announce funding for Clare and Longford Volunteer Centres.  I am sure that their service will be widely used in their respective communities.  I am also pleased that the whole of Limerick both county and city will now be covered by the new amalgamated structure.  I am sure that this will build on the good work that has already occurred”