Concerns have been raised as almost 50% of summer scheme applications failed "basic eligibility" screening for a council's financial assistance programme.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council had pledged £9,450 to be divided amongst successful groups in 'Call 1' of the 2023/24 project.
A further "query" over funding awarded to a particular unnamed group brought the Downshire civic chamber into confidential session with the outcome publicly announced for "a policy review".
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Downpatrick councillor, Gareth Sharvin (SDLP) said: "There is a very low number of successful groups, particularly in the summer scheme applications, with just 43% gaining funding.
"A significant number of applications did not even make the criteria or basic eligibility, at 48%.
"Is there an opportunity to review what were the issues for the groups, so that they will know for the next call out for applications for this funding?
"It needs to be made clear to them what is needed as there seems to be a very low success rate.
"Can we try to understand and help them to learn a lesson and to support groups further."
A council official responded: "We can only fund a certain amount of applications.
"If more funding becomes available we can revisit them.
"Every year we are oversubscribed in each section for financial assistance.
"We would encourage all groups to attend pre-funding workshops, especially groups who have been refused a number of times.
"Perhaps we can put a refresher online."
Slieve Croob councillor, Alan Lewis ( DUP ) questioned how many failed applicants had previously attended "debriefing" meetings to learn of their errors.
A council officer stated that a report on the statistics would be brought back to the chamber.
Applications for 'Call 2' of the council's financial assistance programme opens on March 13.
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