The aims of the Rural Social Scheme
are to provide certain benefits to rural communities by harnessing
the skills and talents available among low-income farmers and fishermen,
who in turn receive income support. The scheme is administered in
a farmer-friendly manner, allowing participants to work their hours
in a flexible way.
The Achill Rural Social Scheme commenced
in early September, and was a big hit from the beginning. Achill
was approved 20 places on the scheme, and over 40 applications came
in during the weeks before the start date. By the beginning of October,
there was a long waiting list of eligible people, some of them participants
due to finish CE Schemes.
Achill was the first scheme in the
country to be approved extra places, due to the unprecedented interest
from part-time farmers and fishermen in the area. This scheme has
attracted a lot of interest from men, who are happy to work on projects
that will help their communities.
A new group has started a clean up
and environmental scheme in the Achill Sound area, and have workers
from the R.S.S. to help them out. The GAA pitch in Achill Sound
is much improved since the scheme started, and workers are on hand
during matches to make sure the facility is kept clean and safe.
The Achill Environmental Farmers
Group was formed following the introduction of the E.U. habitats
directive into Ireland. Their aims are to work for the community
in ensuring a cleaner environment for all, and they have identified
a number of jobs needing attention in the Slievemore DED area. Mayo
County Council has co-operated by supplying heavy black bags, which
they collect on a regular basis.
Roisin Lavelle and Catherine Scanlon are responsible for the RSS
in Achill. “It’s great to see the valuable work that can
be done for the community under this new scheme. We hope it will
continue for at least a few years to maximise its potential,”
Roisin said.
There are places currently available on
the Achill Rural Social Scheme. This is an ideal opportunity for
those who would like to undertake work for local voluntary organisations
in their own communities, while putting up a 'stamp' at the same
time. We are currently looking for workers in the Cashel/Bunnacurry
areas. Anyone wishing to join the Achill Rural Social Scheme should
contact Roisin Lavelle at 098 43292.
Eligibility criteria for the RRS
- Participants
must be in receipt of a weekly Farm Assist payment, or
- Have
a valid herd / flock number and be in receipt of Unemployment
Assistance or Unemployment Benefit (after Community Employment
Scheme), or
- Have
a valid herd / flock number and be in receipt of Disability Allowance,
or
- Near
the end of his/her time as a participant on a FÁS Community
Employment Scheme
Spouses
may participate instead of their eligible partners (except those
leaving CE)
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