Over 40 academics from the country's universities and institutes of technology, as well as representatives of non-Government agencies and members of the HSE, have called on the Government not to close '182 community development projects across the most disadvantaged communities in the State.'
In a letter published in today's Irish Times, the signatories - including two members of the HSE South - criticised the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for its plan to close the CDPs.
The letter said, they 'provide an extraordinary range of programmes including childcare, support for those with disabilities, Travellers and older people.'
It added that the projects are 'needed now more than ever'.
