Munster Express Online

To mark the ten years since its foundation, Waterford Area Partnership has published a special Celebration Brochure which reflects the involvement of the Partnership in a wide range of Community Development work in the City. The Brochure was officially launched by Minister Martin Cullen T.D. at Gallery Restaurant, Waterford Institute of Technology.

Speaking at the opening of the launch, the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Hilary Quinlan, paid tribute to the board and staff of the Partnership for their work over the ten years. He highlighted the importance of the support that was given to various groups and areas of the city.

“It is vital that all our citizens benefit from the prosperity we are experiencing”, he said. The Mayor referred to the work of the Partnership in supporting Community Groups access services such as childcare, training and education and in helping unemployed people to get jobs or to establish their own businesses.

Minister Cullen in his address stressed the importance of volunteers in the many groups and organisations that the Partnership worked with.

“The promotion of social inclusion is high on the Government’s agenda”, said the Minister. “Eamonn O’Cuiv fights passionately and effectively at the cabinet table to ensure that the resources are put in place”, he added. Minister Cullen stated that the Partnerships would play an important role in the new Local Development Social Inclusion Programme for 2007 – 2013.

Cllr. Mary Roche, Chairperson of Waterford Area Partnership, thanked Minister Cullen and Minister O’Cuiv for their help over the years. She asked the Minister to continue with his efforts to get mainstream funding for two projects i.e the WESLIN Project (countering early school leaving) and the SUBLA Project (Young Male Traveller Training Programme). She also paid tribute to past and present Board Members and staff. She congratulated all the members of the Community and Voluntary Groups for their achievements over the 10 Years. Cllr. Roche assured them of the continued support of the Partnership for the future.

Dr. Venie Martin, Head of Development, Waterford Institute of Technology spoke of the close working relationship between the Partnership and the Institute.

“For example, the Partnership funded a pilot programme of Summer Schools for Adults in 1999 and 2000 and this enabled mature students sample the courses available. This was very successful and many progressed on to our normal courses and went on to get formal educational qualifications”, she said.

The Summer School Programme has now received mainstream funding from the Government. Dr. Martin also highlighted the ongoing work with disadvantaged 2nd Level students to help them gain access to third level education through various Access Programmes and study supports.

Mr. Joe Stokes, manager of Waterford Area Partnership, thanked the Mayor and the Minister for their encouragement and kind remarks. Mr Stokes paid tribute to the commitment and professionalism of the staff of Waterford Area Partnership and the Local Employment Service Network (Obair). The success of the Partnership was due in many was to the structure of the Board, he said.

The Board is made up representatives from the Community and Voluntary sectors, City Councillors, State Agencies, the Business sector and Trade Unions.

“This structure provides a wide range of experience and expertise”, continued Mr. Stokes. “When this is applied in a partnership way to the benefit of the community at large, we get the positive outcomes shown in the Celebration Brochure the Minister has Launched here today.”

Mr. Stokes also thanked Waterford Institute of Technology for hosting the launch. Waterford Area Partnership is funded by Pobal under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme strand of the National Development Plan.