Local initiatives rely too much on volunteerism instead of creating jobs



A Leitrim Councillor says the community service programme needs to be reopened to new clients to ease pressure on volunteers in rural areas.

Fine Gael Councillor Sean McDermott raised the issue at a meeting of the County Council this week.

He says the community service programme which gives grants to businesses that deliver services and create jobs for people from disadvantaged groups needs to be reopened to new applicants.

It was during a discussion on calls for a regional tourism officer to be considered for the north of the county.

Councillor McDermott said many local intiatives rely heavily on volunteerism but if they were under a well-managed scheme, more full-time jobs could be created in rural areas.

He says this is the case with the work going on by the Glenfarne Development group:



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