KENNY & DE BURCA CALL FOR COMMUNITY MILLENIUM FUNDING

(Statement by Seán Kenny & Pádraig de Burca, Labour Party) 26/02/99

Two Labour Party activists have called on the Government to properly fund community-based celebrations for the Millennium. Seán Kenny, Labour councillor for Donaghmeade, and Pádraig de Burca, Labour candidate in Clontarf, are demanding that the Government provide the necessary resources to mark the end of the 20th Century for Dublin's communities. Mr. Kenny is involved with the Raheny Millennium Committee and Mr. De Burca sits on the Casino Millennium Association and both have seen at first hand that a little money could go a long way.

Mr. Kenny said that there was a huge amount of energy being unleashed all over north-east Dublin in local people's own efforts to ensure that the turn of the century was marked. He stressed that there were so many local projects being mentioned it was difficult to know where to start. "For example the cleanup of Santry River, the development of Saint Anne's Park and local celebrations and competitions have all been put forward. But where is the help from the Government? Dublin Corporation's budget for Community activities should be doubled or trebled on a once-off basis and local volunteers should be encouraged instead of being hindered."

The group in Mr. de Burca's area is made up of representatives from residents' associations, women's groups and other community activists. "We are considering art competitions, sculptures and public celebrations" he said. "But where is the support from the Government's Áth Cliath Committee, set up to co-ordinate Millennium celebrations in Dublin? I hope they are not going to be fixated on tourists and forget about the people who live in Dublin all year round."

Both will be seeking support from the Labour group of Councillors. "We want community effort rewarded not buried under red tape" they said.

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