Local councillor voices concerns regarding future of Midlands LGBT+ Project
Green Party Councillor in Edenderry, Mark Hackett, has voiced his concern that the Midlands LGBT+ Project was unsuccessful in securing essential funding under the LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call.
Cllr. Hackett said:
“In my role as councillor in Offaly I have had the pleasure of working with Christina and Midlands LGBT+ Project. I am utterly stumped by the news that they have not been awarded funding for the coming year. I was delighted when this project was initially funded in 2020 as I am aware of the need they were meeting. Unfortunately, I have received hate-filled trans and homophobic responses to my work on behalf of the community. I see this as in indicator of the importance of the work of Midlands LGBT+ in Offaly.”
Midlands LGBT+ Project has been a recipient of Community Services funding since establishment in 2021 as Laois LGBTI+ Project. This annual allocation of funding has allowed the project to employ three people and grow into Offaly, Westmeath and Kildare having identified the need for a Midlands Support Service due to the huge demand.
Under this year’s funding call, €984,482.52 was made available to 25 LGBTI+ community service-based projects and grants of up to €100,000 were allocated to successful organisations to assist the development of rural community infrastructure to be inclusive and welcoming of LGBTI+ persons, address gaps in LGBTI+ services and support existing LGBTI+ community organisations.
Cllr Hackett added: “I’m aware of the budget constraints that exist within Departments and understand that funds are often allocated in a very clear-cut way. While I am aware that funding has never been so high nationally, in a county where I know LGBT+ people feel the extra isolation of a rural setting I will continue to fight for funding for the locally led support service of Midlands LGBT+ project. This funding is essential and, without it or some other intervention, the project will not be in a position to continue.”
“I’ve joined with other Green Party representatives in Laois, Westmeath, and Kildare in writing to Minister O’Gorman and his Department to ask for either an alternative source of funding, or that the funding call is reopened with a broadening of the criteria. I will also be bringing a motion to Offaly County Council asking that we express our collective support for the community and to raise this funding matter with the Minister. ”