Public Participation Network (PPN) survey shows Community Groups under pressure due to rising insurance costs
The results of a survey carried out by Ireland’s Public Participation Networks which was published last week have highlighted the problems faced by community and voluntary organisations throughout the country. Tipperary PPN which has a membership of almost 1000 community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups based in Tipperary, was involved in conducting the survey.
83% of community and voluntary organisations have said that their insurance costs have increased significantly over the past three years. Almost half have said they are at risk of having to shut down if their insurance costs continue to rise. Many have had to cut back on activities in order to stay in operation.
Community and voluntary organisations play a vital role in communities and are involved in the day to day running of sporting organisations, mental health facilities, services for older people, addiction services, community centres, animal welfare, environmental projects and lots more. If organisations are forced to cease operations due to spiralling insurance costs there will be a huge void in the services available to the people of Tipperary and throughout the country. There are increasing calls on the Government to take action to address the issue. PPN Resource worker Avril Wilson commented that she is hearing of the real struggle on the ground as community groups are crippled trying to cover the costs of insurance, “ I really hope this survey highlights the need for the government to take action, the PPN are delighted to be able bring community issues to the fore”.
TPPN would also like to remind community groups in the Thurles/ Templemore/Roscrea Municipal District (MD) that the PPN will hold a community meeting on Wednesday the 25th September at 6.30pm in Borrisleigh community hall. Avril Wilson the PPN Resource Worker is encouraging all community groups to attend “We really want to hear from the groups and organisations on the ground and what is important to groups and their respective communities” for more information on this event contact 0504 61014 or visit www.ppntipperary.org
