Community groups around the country were granted €1.3 million today to ensure the voice of voluntary groups are heard at State level.
Minister for the Environment and Local Government Dick Roche
Minister for the Environment and Local Government Dick Roche said the support package would aid the efforts of the fora to promote partnership between the state and the community sector at local level.
"This funding helps the voice of community interests to be heard," Mr Roche said. "The involvement and input of local community and voluntary organisations into local authority decision-making is essential.
"It can lead to better and more representative decisions being taken. It also helps local authorities to better respond to the needs of communities."
On foot of the funding, Mr Roche said the groups were also being asked to place a special emphasis on the promotion of social inclusion in their work.
The groups were established in the 34 County and City Councils in 2000 to aid the involvement of community and voluntary organisations in local authority decision-making.
The fora nominate members onto local government structures such as County and City Development Boards and Strategic Policy Committees.
Mr Roche said the groups also provided training and support for people involved in voluntary activities.
