Tánaiste announces 12 Social Economy project approvals in the Midlands Region £2.74 Million (€3.47 million) approved for 12 Social Economy Projects in Midlands Region Projects at start up stage with 64 jobs Business Plans approved to develop projects with employment potential of a further 76 jobs

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today (Friday 20th July 2001) in Athleague announced the Launch of the Social Economy Programme in the Midlands Region with £2.74 Million (€3.47 million) already committed to projects over a 3 year period.

Announcing the grant approvals at the Angling Centre, Athleague, Co Roscommon, the Tánaiste expressed her satisfaction at the progress to date in developing the programme in the Region and encouraged organisations in the Community & Voluntary Sector to consider the Social Economy as a means of developing their Enterprises.

The Tánaiste was impressed by the range of projects being developed in the Midlands, which include, rural transport, tourism & heritage, theatre, recycling, providing services for the elderly and for people with special needs.

She said it was very fitting that the launch of the Social Economy Programme was being held in the Angling Centre as the Suck Valley Development Co-Operative are recipients of funding under the Social Economy Programme.

A further 16 projects are at an advanced stage of making their submissions. The Tánaiste highlighted the potential of the projects in the Midlands to develop sustainable, viable enterprises dedicated to providing essential services in the community for the benefit of the less well of in our community.

There are now 24 full project approvals and 225 business plans approved nationwide.

"I strongly believe a caring society and an enterprise economy go hand in hand. This is particularly true at local, community level where initiative and enterprise bind strong communities together.

I want to encourage communities to keep coming forward with ideas, particularly those that can eventually stand alone in the marketplace after a few years.

Our job in government is to clear the way for all forms of enterprise and initiative. This includes community and voluntary enterprise as well as business and individual enterprise.

An enterprise economy means a diversity of enterprises, from large scale businesses delivering thousands of jobs, to micro-projects serving local communities. They all contribute to quality of life and our standards of living in Ireland. Everyone has a part to play in an enterprise economy and a caring society"

SOCIAL ECONOMY FULL PROJECT GRANTS APPROVED

Co. Roscommon Kilbride Community Resource Centre, Aras Bhríde, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon This community based organisations has long term objectives to address the lack of social, educational and recreational services by developing a gymnasium, computer facilities and the expansion of catering facilities. It has been approved for 3 Workers and a Manager in the Community Business Category.

Suck Valley Development Co-Operative, c/o Angling Centre, Athleague, Co. Roscommon This project hopes to develop the valley as an angling amenity and tourism destination, to include a Conference Visitors Centre, Cycle and Walking Routes. The project has been approved for 5 Workers and a Manager in the Community Business Category.

Una Bhan Co-Operative Society, Main Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon This Community Business project has been approved for 5 Workers and a Manager and it is a rural tourism group involved in the development and marketing of rural tourism products and services and supports and encourages small and medium craft enterprises, with the objective to stimulate employment creation in the area.

Tulsk Parish Services, Tulsk, Castlrea, Co. Roscommon This community based organisation have been successful in providing a range of social and caring services, to include caring for the elderly, laundry services, secretarial services and catering functions. This project has been approved for 5 Workers and a Manager, in Community Business Category.

Crosna Community Co-Operative, Crosna, Knockvicar, Boyle, Co. Roscommon This co-operative is involved in local development in three areas; An Organic Training and Growing Project, a Community Resource Centre and Tourism activities to help provide sustainable economic activity and maintain the culture and ethos of this community. The project has been approved for 5 Workers and a Manager in Community Business Category.

The Organic Walled Garden, Cuisle, Donamon, Co. Roscommon The Donamon Organic Garden has been sponsored by the Roscommon Partnership Board, and supported by the Irish Wheelchair Assoc. The project’s main focus is in areas of organic produce, organic education programmes and retail outlets for organic produce. The project has been approved for 5 Workers and a Manager, in the Community Business Category.

Cruachan Aí, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon This project proposes to develop the natural resources of the Parish for the benefit of the community, it includes an exhibition area, craft and book shop, café and meeting and conference facilities and has been approved for 5 Workers and a Manager in Community Business Category

Co. Westmeath

Mullaghmeen Development Group, Hammondstown, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath This project has been approved for 5 Workers and a Manager in the Community Business Category. Mullaghmeen is a Tourism Project involving Mullaghmeen Forest, and a small scale Manufacturing company producing planters, garden furniture, etc.

Women’s Parish Community Project, Parish Community Centre, Bishopsgate St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath This Pre-School Child Care Service is meeting the needs for a community in need of such service. It is in the Demand Deficient Category and has been approved for 3 workers and a Manager.

Mullingar Employment Action Group - The Enterprise Centre, Bishopsgate St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath A recycling resource centre, it recycles Glass, Cans, Paper and Plastics. It has currently submitted a tender to the Westmeath Co. Co. for a Glass Recycling contract. This Community Business project has been approved for 4 Workers and a Manager.

Killucan Care Ltd. - Rathwire, Co. Westmeath This Demand Deficient project has been approved for 4 Workers and a Manager. This Golden Years Project offers Golden Years activities, a Lunch Club, Transport Provisions and Home Comforts.

Tuar Ard (Moate Community Development Association), Moate, Co. Westmeath This Community Business project recently received the Midland Regional Community Initiative Award for Community Enterprise. It has been approved for 3 Workers and a Manager. This facility has 6 Enterprise Units, a Theatre and Arts Centre and Conference Centre.

Co. Westmeath

Proposer	Business Planned
Coole Development Association	Organic Vegetable Enterprise and Training
St. Dominic’s Community Council	Meals on Wheels, Launderette Service
Irish Wheelchair Association	Operate a Transport Systems for Disabled
Athlone Community Taskforce	Community based childcare facility
Kilbeggan Preservation & Development Association	Operates Lockes Distillery Museum as tourist attraction

Co. Longford

Proposer	Business Planned
Co. Longford Tourism	Tourism Enterprise Facility
Lough Ree Development Co-Op	Centre for Water based activities

Co. Laois

Proposer	Business Planned
Rossmore Killeshin Dev. Assoc.	Tidy Towns, Community Centre, Childcare
Erkina Development Assoc.	Community Services and Training
National Assoc. for Parent Support	Family Support Services and Creche
Laois Chamber of Commerce	Business support and development
Midland Dev. Education Group	Fair Trade Shop, Citizens Information Centre
Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary	Operates Business - Abbey Sense Gardens

Co. Roscommon

Proposer	Business Planned
Brothers of Charity	Special Needs Facility

Co. Offaly

Proposer	Business Planned
Oak Partnership	Rural Transport Initiative
Clara & District Recreation Assoc.	Recreation facilities at Clara Swimming Pool