Q. Submitted by Anonymous, Discussion Item, 25th April 2007, 15:45 "I am a representative of a disability support organisation in Co. Donegal and am writing to highlight the remaining physical difficulties that persons with disabilities still face in Co. Donegal as regards accessing public buildings, community facilities and under such premises that should be fully compliant with part M of the building regulations. I am annoyed that many facilities are still not compliant with these regulations. I appreciate that many groups and their representatives are simply not aware of these physical barriers, however wish to inform them that information can be obtained from a number of sources including People with Disabilities Ireland, The National Disability Authority etc. I would be greatful if you could post this submission on your site, just to highlight the issue once more in a public forum. Many thanks for your efforts and congratulations on your new site, it should prove a valuable resource for the community and volunteer sector which is often overlooked."

A. Replyed to on 25th April 2007, 16:12 by C Boyle, Project Officer, ME4U.

"Thanks for your comment. At ME4U we certainly concur with your sentiments as regards non-compliance with Part M of the building regulations and indeed, a study was commissioned last year that reviewed access barriers that prevented people with disabilities from participating fully in the community and voluntary sector. Access constraints ranked quite highly in terms of physical barriers in this research study. You can download a copy from our website by clicking on the following link We're Able Project. Thanks again for the comment, we welcome comments and discussion items like this at ME4U as they help to raise awareness of issues which are of particular relevance across the community and voluntary sector."

Q. Submitted by Anonymous, General Comment, 29th April 2007, 19:36 "I have worked in Community Development in Co. Donegal all my life, and just wanted to say that as indicated on your site, there are many people that undertake voluntary activities on an ongoing and daily basis across the County, and we certainly could all be doing with some help, we would especially like to see more representatives from the youth sector getting involved in community development activities as they will be the new community leaders in the comming decades. I guess this brief note is just to encourage more young people, to become actively involved in communnity projects as they may find it very rewarding, and is great in developing skills that can be put to direct use in their personal and professional lives. At a minimum, it always looks good on a CV, so there is really nothing to loose by giving things a try. Thanks."

A. Replyed to on 29th April 2007, 16:12 by C Boyle, Project Officer, ME4U.

"Thanks for your comment and congratulations on being a lifelong volunteer, perhaps you would like to provide us with a personal biography and a small photograph to post details of your work and achievements in our community champions section. In response to your comment, we agree that the youth sector will be the future champions of community developoment in Co. Donegal and it is critical to get more young people involved in projects as only they can sustain progress in the future. Thanks again, we would welcome more comments and general knowledge sharing as such. "

Q. Submitted by Anonymous, Question, 5th May 2007, 12:10 "I am writing to first congratulate you on setting up this site, and to ask for your help and advice as regards setting up a new community group in my area. We are just starting off a number of small community building projects, get togethers for elderly groups etc, but want to establish as a fully developed community group as I know that many funding organisations require proper group structures for the administration of funds that may be received etc. My first question is whether or not you are aware of funding sources within Co. Donegal, my second would be to ask if you are aware of any contacts of agencys etc that could maybe provide us with a draft community group constitution, or advice and guidance on how we could set our group up properly and develop our activties further. I would be grateful for any advice or assistance on these matters. Thanks in advance."

A. Replyed to on 5th May 2007, 15:13 by C Boyle, Project Officer, ME4U.

"Dear Anonymous, thanks for getting in touch and for your kind sentiments on our website. Given that your questions are extremely relevant I feel, for a lot of community groups throuhgout the County, its great to be able to post this on the site and to impart a little advice and guidance.. Small community development projects can grow into quite large, sustainable and very active groups in a small space of time and your'e right, the way to achieve this is by setting up formal structures that can guide the process. You can obtain advice and guidance on all these matters, and obtain draft constitutions, memorandums of association etc that a generally required in establishing a group formally, from Donegal Local Development Company Ltd's Community Development team. You can obtain contact details from http://www.dldc.org or simply telephone 07491 27056 and ask to speak to a Community Development Representative who will advise you on group established issues, and provide you with an overview of funding sources, the process of submitting formal funding applications, what projects are eligible for funding etc. Thanks again for getting in touch, and if you require any additional information, please e-mail me on haveyoursay@volunteerdonegal.com."