A SERIES of gatherings organised by Galway Rural Development to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rural Social Scheme began last week in Mullagh and will continue over the next month at Glenamaddy, Tynagh, Belclare, Monivea and Dunmore.

Launched in 2004 by then Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) has become a cornerstone of support for community and voluntary groups throughout rural Ireland.

With 10 supervisors and 222 farmers as participants, Galway Rural Development (GRD) boasts one of the largest programmes in the country and the GRD scheme has won many awards for the quality of their work.

The RSS offers an opportunity for communities to benefit from the wide variety of skills of local farmers, thereby empowering them to play a vital role in sustaining the fabric of rural life.

The importance of the work carried out by participants is more evident than ever in recent years and the RSS has placements that range from administration, heritage, and social care roles to those supporting local tidy towns projects, sports’ pitches, and community centres.

To qualify for the RSS, participants must be part of an active farming or fishing family and be in receipt of a means tested payment such as a Jobseeker’s Allowance or Farm Assist.

In return, those participating on the RSS are employed for 19.5 hours per week where they provide services that benefit their own local community.

Speaking at the event at Mullagh GAA Club, Chairperson of GRD Cllr Pete Roche said that the Mullagh venue for the launch was a particularly suitable one as it is a brilliant complex.

“With the support of GRD’s LEADER programme, some €180k was provided for the centre redevelopment, a walkway, a playground, and car park. It’s also an important base for some of our RSS participants”

“The recent progress in terms of rule changes for the RSS with an upcoming pilot programme is also most welcome. Huge credit goes to our own team for helping to bring about these national changes,” said Cllr. Roche.

Pictured: Some of the GRD team in Mullagh last week [Back, left to right]: Seán Larkin, Cllr Pete Roche, Seán Broderick, Steve Dolan, Conor Carty. [Front]: Martina Caulfield, Ita Kenny and Liz Macdonald.