SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
Mr Durkan said despite four years notice that this funding would come to an end as a result of Brexit, the UK Government and relevant government departments here, failed to take seriously the devastating consequences.
The absence of an executive has left no avenue to cushion community and voluntary organisations from the impact of this funding stream.
Following correspondence to the Department of Finance, the Foyle MLA said: “There is no downplaying the devastating impact the loss of European Social Fund (ESF) funding will have on public services, communities and people right across the North.
“In real terms the loss of this money means the loss of livelihoods.
“People have lost their jobs at a day’s notice; vulnerable service users have lost access to support and communities have lost opportunities which provided lifelines to so many.
2In Derry alone, Derry Youth & Community Workshop, the Women’s Sector, 4Rs and Conservation Volunteers are just some of those decimated.
“We’ve known for four years that this funding was coming to an end and despite the SDLP and various funded groups repeatedly sounding the alarm, the UK government left people hanging on to the very last minute.
“I wrote to the Department of Finance’s Permanent Secretary urging intervention to support groups who have not received a replacement allocation.
“I’ve received the copy/paste response we’ve become so accustomed to; the department is not in a position to provide desperately needed support given the absence of ministers.
“This is one of the many negative out workings of Brexit which was forewarned.
“It is beyond comprehension why some parties here were unable to grasp the gravity of the situation and what it would mean for public services and the people of Northern Ireland.
“Brexit has inflicted incredible damage here.
“The absence of an Executive ensures those gaping wounds can’t be mended. All the while people are paying the price of shambolic governance, or the lack thereof.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the North gets its fair share in terms of available SPF funding but to adequately address this debacle we need the restoration of our institutions.”
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