The Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 420 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP funding is provided as a fixed annual contribution towards the wages cost of an agreed number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and a manager, where warranted. It does not provide funding towards capital costs as outlined in the Deputy's question. In addition, the organisation in question is not currently supported under the CSP.
Funding may be available for the project referenced by the Deputy, through the LEADER Programme. LEADER is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. Funding is provided under a broad range of themes. The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in each LEADER area. Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.
The project may also be eligible for funding under the Community Enhancement Programme. The 2020 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) with funding of €2m providing small capital grants to community organisations was launched in June. Separately, under the July stimulus package my Department launched a €5m fund for repairs or upgrades to community centres and community buildings. While it is now closed for 2020, it is hoped to run the CEP again in 2021. Full details of the 2021 Scheme will issue to all Local Authorities when finalised.
