U6 Ch.26 Community Development

Question 1

Community Development

Answer 1

The development of local areas and communities socially and economically through the efforts of local citizens and residents.
The development is locally based and is about self-help as opposed to relying on the government or other agencies to help them develop

Question 2

Economic Benefits of community development

Answer 2

1. Creates employment in the local area. New enterprises set up to provide employment and therefore develop community
2. Spin-off effect increases demand for local goods. Com Dev intiatives and local businesses increase direct and indirect employment. Increase in Employment will in turn increase sales for local goods and services. E.g. coffee shops
3. Encourages new enterprise in community. Com Dev Initiatives can encourage com members to pursue ideas for initiatives or business. This can have a knock-on effect as these members encourage other members.

Question 3

Social Benefits of community development

Answer 3

1. Boosts Community Spirit. As a com works together, relationships are built and atmosphere is greatly improved with residents proud to live there. Initiatives offer potential for further social interaction
2. Prevents Depopulation. People are encouraged to remain in an area if facilities are available and if there are opportunities for employment and leisure time.
3. Less anti-social behaviour. Facilities for young people prevent them from turning to anti-social behaviour. People take pride in area and want to upkeep its appearance.

Question 4

Organisations supporting community development

Answer 4

1. Local Enterprise Office (LEO)
2. LEADER Programme
3. Area Partnership Companies (APCs)
4. Pobal

Question 5

LEO and what they offer

Answer 5

Local Enterprise Office offer government supports to help entrepreneurs establish and grow business.
1. Training (programmes to increase entrepreneurs’ knowledge and skills)
2. Mentoring (business mentor matched with entrepreneur to help identify and solve business issues)
3. Finance (Grants for start up or feasibility studies. Also offer loans up to €25,000 at reduced interest rates)

Question 6

LEADER Programme

Answer 6

EU-funded programme provides resources to local coms needed to reduce poverty and increase social inclusion.
Community must set-up LAG to receive funding.

Question 7

LAG and functions

Answer 7

Local Action Group
Local Community groups submit project ideas in order to receive funding. LAG assesses ideas and distributes grants.

Question 8

APCs and functions

Answer 8

Area Partnership Companies. Aim to reduce unemployment and poverty while encouraging education and social inclusion.
1. Training Courses and workshops to support local people to become entrepreneurs
2. Advice. Offers advice to community groups on how to develop their ideas
3. Employment Support. Support those seeking work with CV preparation workshops and interview techniques.

Question 9

Pobal and functions

Answer 9

Work with organisations to improve lives of people experiencing social exclusion and disadvantage.
1. Gateway (offers short-term employment opportunities to those who have been unemployed for more than two years. Participants involved with work benefitting local community)
2. Dormant Accounts Fund (redistribute money from dormant accounts to social enterprises that provide employment in local community)