€15.5m ‘Framework Agreement’ signed

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Development has signed a “Framework Agreement” worth up to €15.5 million for “Social Inclusion and Related Services” over the next 5 years.  

The Framework agreement will facilitate the awarding of social inclusion contracts to Wexford Local Development within the five-year period of the agreement and includes an initial Call-Off Contract relating to the national “Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme” (SICAP) 2024 – 2028 worth just over €10m.

Target groups are pre-defined nationally and include those who experience multiple inequalities namely; People living in disadvantaged communities, People impacted by educational disadvantage; People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious; People who are long-term unemployed; People with a criminal history; Refugees; International Protection Applicants; People with Disabilities; Heads of One-parent Families; Travellers and Roma. 

Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) have also chosen three “Local Priority Target Groups” for a specific focus for the duration of this new programme which are: (1), People living in disadvantaged communities; (2), People impacted by educational disadvantage, and (3) Travellers.

Promotion of climate justice, with a focus on facilitating a just and equitable transition to a greener economy and society, will also be a horizontal theme in the new programme.

Speaking at the signing of the programme, Cllr. Aidan Browne said; “As Chairman of the LCDC, I look forward to the continued collaboration between Wexford LCDC and Wexford Local Development, in delivering this key inclusion programme across County Wexford”

Cllr. John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “I’m delighted to see this level of resources being allocated to the county to ensure social inclusion continues to be delivered to a high standard to those areas, communities and individuals where their need is highest.”

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services with responsibility for Community Development added; “We are delighted to continue this relationship with Wexford Local Development for the delivery of these important services to the county.  WLD are highly experienced around social inclusion.  SICAP is making a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged people and communities in Co. Wexford. Building on the strong foundations already in place, this new programme will ensure continuity of community-based supports where it’s needed most.”  

Programmes Manager with Wexford Local Development, Clare Ryan spoke of the vital importance of SICAP in addressing inequality and improving outcomes for the most disadvantaged groups and individuals in the county. “Equality is about securing equality of opportunity, equality of participation and equality of outcome. What this contract effectively means is that it enables us to provide professional community workers on the ground who directly connect and work alongside those communities most marginalised and impacted by poverty and inequality,” added Ms. Ryan.