Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019
577. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will establish an interdepartmental group to develop a new programme of action and resources for areas experiencing cumulative disadvantage and affected by serious anti-social and criminal behaviour. [24925/19]
View answerMy Department has many programmes in place to assist disadvantaged areas affected by the issues outlined in the question.
For example, in Dublin, the SICAP programme will provide €9.7m in 2019 giving vital support to those community groups and individuals most in need. In addition, under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) my Department allocated €675k to the Dublin area in 2019 so that community groups could avail of small capital grants.
The Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in each area manages the SICAP programme and administers the CEP at a local level to ensure the funding is targeted to address disadvantage.
LCDCs play a key role in tackling issues in disadvantaged areas, bringing a more coordinated, whole-of-Government approach to local and community development. They are best placed to ensure that state funding is channelled to those areas and communities most in need.
My Department will continue to work with Local Authorities through the LCDCs to ensure that appropriate local plans are developed and available resources are targeted effectively to support the development of vibrant and sustainable communities.
