The refusal of funding for Foyle Search and Rescue in Derry has caused “great concern and dismay” in the city, a local election hopeful has said.
The charity had sought £200,000 in funding from the Social Investment Fund to extend its base at Prehen and to set up a counselling centre in the city.
Emmet Doyle, SDLP candidate in the Moor ward in the upcoming local government election said, said the group deserved “funding safety” by virtue of the “fantastic and irreplaceable” service it provided for the people of the city.
Foyle Search and Rescue had applied for funding to create a counselling facility for people found in distress around the River Foyle.
Mr Doyle said: “There has rightly been a sense of disbelief in the city since news broke that Foyle Search and Rescue were turned down for funding for a premises extension and for a new counselling service in partnership with HURT, another well respected organisation in Derry.
“After hearing the news, I contacted the Social Investment Team at the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister to ascertain what appeals mechanism was in place, and if further monies under the Social Investment Fund would be available next year if Foyle Search and Rescue sought to renew their application.
“I am very surprised that no formal appeal mechanism is in place for decisions made on funding applications to the SIF, and I intend to write to the First and Deputy First Minister immediately to seek a rethink on this decision.
“Foyle Search and Rescue provide a service in our city that we simply cannot do without – the dedication of its volunteers to the fourth emergency service in our City is a source of great civic pride and we must do everything we can to enable the organisation to continue and indeed to thrive.”
He concluded: “An organisation of such value to the people of Derry deserves funding safety, and it is up to our Executive to deliver on the spirit of the fund, which is to deliver social change – if they feel Foyle Search and Rescue don’t do that on a daily basis, they simply need to look to the people of Derry who would gladly set them straight.”
