Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
781. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is funding available for the establishment of resource centres in rural communities that have been affected by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12002/20]
View answerMy Department's Community Enhancement Programme provides small capital grants to community groups to improve facilities in their area. The 2020 Programme which was launched recently, may be relevant to resource centres in rural communities, depending on the nature of their work.
The Department gives flexibility to Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) to tailor the programme in each Local Authority area, so that it meets local priorities. It is recommended that applicants contact the LCDC in their area for further details.
The Community Services Programme, or CSP, provides supports to community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP funding is provided towards the cost of employing a specified number of full-time equivalent employees and a manager where warranted. Funding for new organisations is considered in light of available budgets and their suitability with regard to programme criteria.
