Brady - Lost EU Community group funding needs to be replaced by British Government

EU funds lost following the decision by the UK to leave the European Union, should be fully replaced by the British Government. That's the call from Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady who said that local community groups are warning of job losses and the loss of vital skills and training services.

Mr Brady said "Recently, the Sinn Féin team met with representatives of the community and voluntary sector from across Newry and Armagh where they made it clear the serious issues they faced if this funding was not replaced. 

“The British government’s failure to replace lost EU funds could result in devastating job losses and cuts to vital community services. 

“It’s not acceptable that local projects who provide services to vulnerable people, create jobs and provide opportunities for young people, are now left at a cliff-edge with no certainty on what comes next."

The MP believes that failure to fully replace this money and the delay in rolling out the Shared Prosperity Fund has placed groups in a precarious position and he is urging the British government to honour its commitment and restore lost EU funds. Mr Brady also said that local departments also need to step up and work with groups, extend existing funding for a year on a pro-rata basis to allow organisations to transition to the new funding and use this period to develop a longer-term scheme.

“Ministers in an Executive would be able to ensure this happened, the vital work of these groups should not be collateral damage for the DUP’s blockade of the institutions. Community and voluntary workers need an Executive up and running now and all parties working together around the table to provide support for these groups.”  the MP concluded.