My Department provides funding for projects such as the one that the Deputy refers to, through a number of schemes and programmes, and details regarding these are provided below.
It should be noted that each of the schemes and grant programmes operated by my Department are governed by rules and eligibility criteria, which projects have to meet in order to qualify for funding.
Programme of Grants for Locally Based Community and Voluntary Organisations
This Programme supports the activities of locally based community and voluntary organisations by way of three Schemes:
the Scheme of Refurbishment Grants;
the Scheme of Equipment Grants and
the Scheme of Training, Education and Research Grants
A copy of the Programme Guidelines and the Application Form in respect of these Schemes, including eligibility criteria, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.
Community Services Programme
The Community Services Programme operated by my Department is currently closed for applications, however, it is hoped to reopen the Programme again later this year and the project, that the Deputy refers to, can at that point apply through their local Partnership, Community Partnership or Leader group for funding. The objective of the Programme is to support local community activity to address disadvantage, while also providing local employment opportunities and regeneration of communities.
In the case of managing Community Halls and Facilities, funding is limited to small grants approximately the equivalent of 2 workers per project.
The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme
The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) provides a series of Measures, funded under the National Development Plan 2007-3013, that are designed to tackle social exclusion.
The project that the Deputy refers to may wish to contact the Local Partnership Committee, which is Kildare Community Partnership.
LEADER Programme
The draft Rural Development Programme 2007-13 is at present under discussion with the European Commission. Full details of the funding opportunities under the programme will be made available when the draft programme is finalised.