Group hits out after funding cut

A women's community group in Derry has criticised the government after its funding was stopped.

The Galliagh Women's Group is one of many projects which will not receive funding from a £4m Neighbourhood Renewal scheme announced on Monday.

Ann McKeever, a volunteer with Galliagh Women's Group, said the Department of Social Development had let them down.

The DSD said the women's group should be financed by other government departments.

The Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, said other government departments had a role to play.

"All departments must step up to the plate in order to subscribe to neighbourhood renewal.

"Tackling disadvantage and depravation is not solely the responsibility of the Department of Social Development is the responsibility of all ministers," she said.

The DSD is currently considering applications for funding from 49 projects in Derry, Strabane and Limavady.

These include the Bogside and Brandywell Initiative and Fountain Primary School in Derry.

They also include Irish Street Community Association, Strabane Local Strategy Partnership, Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and Roe Valley Residents Association.

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