Tánaiste announces 24 Social Economy project approvals in the South East Region£1.57 Million (€1.99m) approved for 24 Social Economy Projects in South East 4 Projects at start up stage with 40 jobs20 Business Plans approved to develop projects with employment potential of a further 91 jobs

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today (Monday 9th July 2001) in Waterford announced the launch of The Social Economy Programme in the South East Region with £1.57 Million (€1.99m) already committed to projects over a 3 year period in the Region.

Announcing the grant approvals at the Waterford Manor Court Hotel in Waterford, the Tánaiste expressed her satisfaction at the progress to date in developing the programme in the Region and encouraged organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector to use the Social Economy to further develop community services.

The Tánaiste said she was impressed by the range of projects being developed in the South East. These include, craft, fisheries, rural transport, tourism & heritage, theatre, sports, environment, I.T. centres and centres providing services for the elderly and for people with special needs.

A further 13 projects are at an advanced stage of making their submissions. The Tánaiste highlighted the potential of the projects in the South East to develop sustainable, viable enterprises dedicated to providing essential services in the community for the benefit of the less well off in our community.

Nationwide, there are now 24 full project approvals and 225 grants for business plan development.

Total allocation in Year 1 - £124,000(€157447.52) Year 2 - £124,000(€157447.52) Year 3 - £124,000(€157447.52) £372,000(€472342.57)

Total Allocation in Year 1 - £ 60,000(€76184.28) - 4 (workers) Year 2 - £ 90,000(€114276.43) - 6 Year 3 - £150,000(€190460.71) - 10 £300,000(€380921.42)

Total Allocation in Year 1 £150,000(€190460.71) Year 2 £150,000(€190460.71) Year 3 £150,000(€190460.71) £450,000(€571382.14)

Hook Tourism - Development of Irelands oldest Lighthouse and Visitor Centre in the Hook Head, Co. Wexford with a Manager and 8 workers.

Total Allocation in Year 1 £124,000(€157447.52) Year 2 £124,000(€157447.52) Year 3 £124,000(€157447.52) £372,000(€472342.57)

County Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) - Centre for people with special needs, maintenance, environmental services and furniture manufacture for sale by the centre.

South Wexford Lobster Company, Carne, Co. Wexford - preservation of lobster fishery grounds and hatchery for the fishing community in South West Wexford.

St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, Co. Wexford - management and staffing of local community Theatre.

Wexford Carers Association - support service for carers.

Wexford Enterprise Centre, Kerlough Industrial Estate, Wexford - enhancement and development of a recycling facility operating in association with Wexford County Council.

Windmill Therapeutic Training Unit, Wexford - The centre provides education and training services for people with special needs. Approved for a Manager and 8 workers.

Ramsgrange Senior Citizens in Ramsgrange, Co. Wexford - day care centre, which caters for disadvantaged elderly people and those with special needs, Manager and 6 Workers.

Freshford District 20/20 - community environmental waste management project.

Tipperary Clans , Tipperary Town - the promotion of Clans activities in the town and county and the sale of Clans artefacts.

Canon Hayes Sports Complex - To develop a catering facility at the Sports Complex.

Slieveardagh Rural Development, Killenaule, Co. Tipperary - setting up a tourist centre in the remote Slieveardagh area.

Cahir Park AFC , Cahir, Co. Tipperary - To operate an all weather sports facility.

Communities Go Green. St. John’s Park, Waterford - Waste management recycling project in partnership with Waterford Corporation

. Lismore Heritage Company - provides Tourist information, Celtic Heritage Centre and Craft shop.

• Tallow Enterprise Group, Tallow, Co. Waterford
• Dunhill/Fenor/Boatstrand/Annestown Community Enterprises, Co. Waterford.

• St Pauls Combined Community Initiative
• Respond Senior Citizens Day Care Centre
• Larchville/Lisduggan Child Care Initiative
• Waterford Healing Arts Trust
• Hullabaloo - International Childrens Festival

• Boolavogue Textile Studio
• Gorey Centre for Independent Living

• Clonmel Community Resource Centre
• Carrick on Suir Resource Centre

• Bród Tullaroan North West Kilkenny Community Development

The Social Economy Programme was launched by An Tánaiste in September 2000. It aims to support the development of social economy enterprises that benefit the economic and social regeneration of communities. It also provides support for employment for long term unemployed people, people with disability, persons, member of the Travelling Community and other disadvantaged persons.

The budget for the Social Economy Programme this year is £17 million (€21.59 million), of which £2 million (€2.54 million) is from the European Social Fund. The Social Economy Programme was developed out of the Partnership 2000 Social Economy Working Group and is run by FÁS. Applications for support should be made to the local FÁS offices.

Eligible enterprises for grant support include:

Social economy enterprises offer ownership within a community or among people with a shared interest; they should respond to local market needs and provide sustainable employment opportunities.