Local CDPs-which work with the communities of Moyross, Southill, St Mary's, St Munchin's, Our Lady of Lourdes and women on low incomes-protested with representatives from 180 other projects.

“There is fear that vital supports and services in their communities will be lost if the recommendations outlined in the McCarthy [An Bord Snip Nua] Report are implemented. The proposed 52% cut to CDP's coupled with the 12% cut this year sacrifices real and measurable long-term community development progress for short term savings,' said one Limerick protestor.

Ann Bourke, Co-Ordinator of Our Lady of Lourdes CDP, also added that it is “important at the moment that everyone unites to show services provided at local level shouldn't get hit any more”.

She further explained: “We've already had a 12% cut and another will have serious implications and mean that some CDPs will lose workers and have to close services. Cuts are looming and it's a scary time. The McCarthy Report says that CDPs are 'ineffective' and 'not good value for money'. That's untrue and very unfair. We're working in the most disadvantaged communities and providing one to one help on a regular basis.”

“We also provide bursaries for third level students. In my centre, in the middle of the community in Clarina Park, we've had people coming to the door shocked that the service might be cut. We do everything from reading a letter to working with local groups to getting basic information for people,” Ms Bourke added.

Samantha Kiely, Chairperson of Our Lady of Lourdes CDP, who has herself benefited from the programme and said: “In times of financial hardship these projects are needed more than ever. Their value cannot simply be measured in euros. The social price to be paid will be massive and cost far more to put right”.

Since 1996, the six CDPs in Limerick have directly employed 53 people with over half from the communities themselves; assisted 66 others with work experience and provided practical services to 6,000 people.

It also assisted 1,000 adults to participate in education and training; distributed €200,000 additional funding to support 350 third level students; trained 200 volunteers and facilitated around 2,000 days of volunteer work.

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