Community finance role for Barry Symes
GOREY-BASED Barry Symes, who is a former senior Ulster Bank official, has taken up an executive role with Community Finance Ireland which provides finance to local community organisations, social enterprises, sports clubs and charities.
Community Finance Ireland is one of the largest providers of finance to the community and voluntary sector on the island of Ireland over the last 20 years and has up to €100 million available in funding. Community Finance Ireland works with community organisations and social enterprises that are delivering an immediate social impact to their community or area but who are struggling to get finance from traditional bank lenders. Barry is immersed in community and voluntary activity and has been active in the Gorey area with groups such as the local Courtown Golf Club, Gorey Rugby Club, Gorey Hockey Club and Leskinfere Community to name a few. ‘Community Finance Ireland continues to grow in order to meet the needs of the thousands of community and voluntary groups throughout Ireland who are seeking to raise finance for their worthy projects,’ said Barry. Community Finance Ireland recently approved a number of new investments in County Wexford, for New Ross Community Hospital, Kilaneiran Ballyfad Community Development Association, JFK Trust, and Askamore Community Council.
Barry says a key element for organisations that partner with Community Finance Ireland is the relatively straightforward loan application and approval process that is involved.
Local organisations wishing to receive information about Community Finance Ireland can visit www.communityfinance.ie