Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
624. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available to rural based community centres and community groups deemed ineligible for the Covid-19 stability fund which do not fall within the terms of 2020 CLÁR or the town and village renewal scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9853/20]
View answerThe Government is aware of the challenges currently faced by community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these.
Community facilities are funded from a range of different sources across different Government Departments and agencies. Supports provided by my Department help people to participate in the development of their communities and also provide funding to improve community facilities.
In addition to the supports referenced by the Deputy, my Department funds the Community Services Programme (CSP) which supports over 400 community organisations to provide local services. Funding is provided as a fixed annual contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department recently developed a Support Fund which provides an additional once off payment to CSP organisations to cover a 12 week period from 26th March 2020, ensuring that they can pay their full-time CSP supported employees up to €350 net per week, with a proportionate amount for part-time CSP supported employees.
My Department also funds the Community Enhancement Programme, which provides small capital grants for facilities in both rural and urban areas. The appropriate approach is being examined for programmes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Community Enhancement Programme is being considered in that context.
My Department also provides funding to rural community groups through the LEADER Programme. Details can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/216837-the-rural-development-and-regional-affairs-division/
Officials within my Department continue to liaise with representatives of the sector and with Departments with relevant policy responsibility in relation to the challenges faced at this time.
