Additional funding for 2008/9 under the Community Services Programme have been announced by Minister for Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamonn O Cuiv T.D.to the amount of €20million per annum for Community projects. This programme supports local community activity, while providing employment oppurtunities for people from disadvantaged groups, people with disabilities, long term unemployed, Travellers, Lone Parents and rehabilitated addicts. The activities of the projects are very varied and include, services for the elderly, such as meals, home maintenance or home security, managing community halls and facilities, recycling & enviromental projects. Applications for funding from this €20 millionn are currently being invited from Integrated LEADER/Partnership Companies. Each is being invited to submit up to 6 applications from their local area for funding of: Community Halls/buildings, Community Services, Community Enterprises. Deputy Mattie McGrath has welcomed this announcement.

The assassinated former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto has been chosen as the 2007 recipent of The Tipperary International Peace Award. According to Honary Secetary Martin Quinn it was decided to honour her in recognition of the efforts she made to restore democracy in her native land and to give her the prestigous award should act as an inspiration to those in Pakistan seeking to secure democracy and reconciliation in the country. It is expected that the award will be presented during the International Festival of Peace in Tipperary Town in April.