U-turn to keep open intercultural centres
By Maurice Garvey
HOPE remains that two intercultural centres in Tallaght and Clondalkin could remain open with negotiations taking place between South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP) and the Department of Justice.
In March, The Echo reported how the two centres were at risk of closing by the end of May, due to the withdrawal of department funding at the end of 2017.
The intercultural centre in Clondalkin
The Echo understands SDCP are submitting a proposal to the department on Friday, in an effort to secure alternative funding for the centres.
The Tallaght facility opened in 2003, Clondalkin in 2008, and they act as a point of contact and support for migrants moving into communities.
SDCP received funding from the department via South Dublin County Council between 2008 and 2016 under a National Integration Funding Programme that concluded in 2016.
In 2017, a new three-year programme was initiated.
Applicants were assessed by the department’s Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI).
An application by SDCP, which included a request for funding to contribute to the cost of running the centre, was unsuccessful.
According to the department, 15 projects were selected to receive funding from a total of 73 eligible applications.
A Parliamentary response to Clondalkin TD Gino Kenny last month from Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, stated the department met SDCP over concerns for the future of the centres.
Unique service
Kenny, a former volunteer at the Clondalkin centre, said it “offers a unique service” providing “a lifeline to educational and intercultural services” for new members of the community.
Department officials proposed a number of alternative options to secure funding and invited SDCP to consider these options further and to submit proposals.
Larry O’Neill, CEO of the Partnership, said they are currently in negotiation with the department, but couldn’t go into specific details due to the ongoing talks.
“There does seem to be a willingness to explore avenues and come to a positive solution for both centres,” said Mr O’Neill.
Sinn Féin TD Sean Crowe said he and Eoin O’Broin made a “direct intervention” with the Minister and a “possible funding stream for two years was identified”.
“I’m confident it should lead to both of the centres staying open and expanding their work with migrants. The closure of the centres would’ve been devastating for the migrants and the volunteers who help them.”
