Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Questions (484)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

484. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of community groups that availed of the social inclusion budget administered by Meath Partnership in 2014; if all successful applications have been drawn down in full; and if he will, on the awarding of the social inclusion and community activation programme tender, administer social inclusion money in County Meath for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19419/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the successor programme to the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), was rolled out across communities from 1 April 2015.

During 2014, a total of €346,264 was provided to Meath Partnership under the LCDP, who in turn supported some 40 community groups and a range of community activity during that period. All LCDP funding was fully expended.

I am advised that the Meath Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has not as yet finalised the SICAP tendering process and my Department is currently considering a mechanism to ensure the continued delivery of community and social inclusion services in County Meath. The primary focus of my Department is to ensure that front-line services, particularly those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected.