The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht are now undertaking a consultation on the successor strategy to SIEC. This is a significant development and one of keen interest to CWI and our members as the development of a new strategy has the potential to reinforce supports for community work and community work values locally and nationally.
On July 23rd The Department held an in person consultation in Tullamore. Many thanks to Stephanie Mc Dermott from CDP, Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement for the photos above.
In addition, the Department have issued an online survey for groups to complete as part of the consultation process. The survey can be found at the link below. https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/press-releases/minister-of-state-jerry-buttimer-launches-stakeholder-consultation-on-the-development-of-a-new-strategy-to-support-the-community-and-voluntary-sector/
At the Tullamore event, some of the points raised included:
- The importance of ongoing recognition and sustainable multiannual resourcing for community work and the community sector.
- Recognition of the importance of autonomy for community work organisations and civil society.
- The need for recognition of the difference between the community sector and the voluntary sector and the different approaches they have and roles that they play.
- The importance of ensuring recognition of rights as opposed to simply focusing on community need.
- The need for objectives in relation to equality and anti-discrimination.
- Strengthening language and action in relation to climate change.
- Stronger recognition for the importance of collaborative processes in the development of all policy but especially climate action and in the development of the next SIEC strategy.
- Strengthening local capacity to engage in policy at local and national levels.
- The importance of Education and Training in Community Work and further support for the discipline
The online stakeholder consultation is available here and is open until close of business on Friday 15 August 2025. All responses received will be treated in confidence by the Department.