Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1054. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports that will be put in place to ensure the continued existence of the community groups in Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath should the ownership of the site be transferred for development. [9536/20]
View answerMy Department is committed to the successful delivery of a range of programmes and schemes which are benefiting rural and urban communities. Programmes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme including Men's Sheds, and the Community Services Programme have delivered funding and supports to numerous projects, many of which are identified and driven by local community organisations. Volunteering supporting infrastructure has been set up nationwide in the form of Volunteer Centres, Volunteering Information Services and Volunteer Ireland.
My Department is continuing to liaise with representatives of the community and voluntary, charity and social enterprise sectors and with other Departments with relevant policy responsibility in relation to the challenges faced at this time as a result of the Covid-19 crises. Assurances have been provided in relation to the continuation of exchequer funding supports for organisations in the sector.
I am confident that the work of my Department is benefiting all communities and delivering on our mission statement. I am determined that this will continue to be the case and that available funding and supports continues to deliver positive visible impacts for all of our communities, including the community groups in County Westmeath on a fully inclusive basis. Further information on all funding programmes and schemes is available on my Department's website on gov.ie.
My Department has been informed by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government that once preliminary design is advanced, the LDA will commence the consultation process with key stakeholders, including Westmeath County Council, the local community and community groups currently based on site, as well as the elected members of the Council. The LDA is fully committed to maintaining open lines of communication with all stakeholders throughout the life cycle of the development.
