Big Kildare Interview: Meet the community-based organisation dedicated to ‘creating an equal and inclusive society’

It could easily be argued that social inclusion and development are the two most vital parts of holding a community together.

This is recognised by Pobal, whose duty it is to provide management and support services to 38 programmes in the areas of Social Inclusion and Equality, Inclusive Employment and Enterprise, and Early Years and Young People.

According to Pobal, which is overseen by CEO Anna Shakespeare, its vision is 'to create an equal and inclusive society, in partnership with the Government and communities.'

COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMME
One programme that was specifically set up with these values in mind is the Community Services Programme (CSP).
First set up in 2006, main goals of the CSP are:

• To address community needs through supporting services and community assets ensuring these are inclusive and responsive to those experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation.
• To provide employment opportunities and improve the employability of individuals most distant from the labour market/or in disadvantaged area.
• To strengthen and support community organisations operating as social enterprises to deliver improved facilities and services and to pilot innovative social economy initiatives.

There are currently six organisations across County Kildare supported under CSP: the Monasterevin Community Centre (MCC) CLG, Lullymore Heritage And Discovery Park CLG, Allenwood Community Development Association CLG, Naas Sports Group Management CLG, Nás na Ríogh Housing Association CLG and Leixlip Youth Premises Group CLG.

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Commenting on CSP’s contribution, Marce Lee Gorman, Chairperson of Monasterevin Community Centre, said: "Having a CSP-funded manager has allowed the people of Monasterevin to connect with each other based on their shared interests and/or characteristics.

"Such examples are providing a venue for the newly formed Women’s Shed and bridge club, and of course the many large events that took place during 2022, such as the Gordon Bennet classic car route and street festivals."

She continued: "Having a manager in place now has enabled us to champion and develop the community-minded side of both facilities."

Ray Stapleton, Manager of Lullymore Heritage And Discovery Park, also said: "The Park has grown from very humble origins to become an important centre for tourism, local employment, education and training in West Kildare and beyond.

"The CSP has been a central pillar in this growth since 2006 and has provided the stability needed to run and develop the enterprise."

Mr Stapleton added: “In a locality where peat extraction was only recently the dominant industry, our social enterprise is striving to provide sustainable social, environmental and economic benefits through tourism and acts as a catalyst for positive change.

"CSP continues to greatly assist us in showcasing Lullymore and delivering an integral part of a true just transition for our greater locality."

CSP funding supports the employment of four manager positions and 16.5 full-time equivalents positions at an annual cost of €442,045.

The roles include 25 individual posts (including managers), and fall under jobs in the following areas: administration, reception, accounts, catering, customer service and various maintenance roles.