Newry SDLP Councillor Michael Savage has welcomed a commitment from the Council Chief Executive to clarify in writing to all Councillors why an application has not been made to the PeacePlus Fund for Newry City Park.
Councillor Savage and Councillor Finn wrote to the Chief Executive last week seeking clarity on the matter and the Chief Executive confirmed at Monday night’s Council Meeting that written clarity will be provided to all Councillors ahead of the closing of the fund this week.
He said: “There has been so much confusion around this issue and this needs clarified immediately. That is why both Cllr Finn and I wrote to the Chief Executive last week seeking answers and I welcome her commitment to give written clarity specifically on what criteria the Park does not meet ahead of the closing of the PeacePlus Fund on September 7th.
“Getting clarity the day before a Fund closes is not acceptable and that is why there is a need for a sub committee in Council to monitor all funding applications so that we maximise funding opportunities and we have information on these funds very early in the process.
“That is why I have proposed that such a sub committee is set up in Council to scrutinize funding applications and do the work that is specific to funding and that is not being grappled with by the Strategic Finance Working Group. There is a specific need to scrutinize and monitor funding applications and the motion charges the Strategy Policy and Resources Committee to establish this sub committee so that there is transparency going forward on how we apply for funding for capital and community projects.”
Councillor Savage’s motion has been referred to the Strategy Policy and Resources Committee and the motion reads:
“Council recognises the challenges in securing funding for landmark capital and community projects across the district and agrees to establish a Standing Sub-Committee of Council Officers and nominated Councillors tasked with overseeing the identification of funding streams relevant to Council capital and community projects and the timely delivery of funding applications.
The Sub-Committee will meet monthly and report to the Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee which will agree the Terms of Reference of the Standing Sub-Committee in October 2023 for approval at the November 2023 Full Council Meeting”.
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CLANRYE NEWS 