Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
54. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding opportunities available to a centre (details supplied) which is a non-profit organisation providing community, family and employment support in the Finglas, Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43931/20]
View answerCommunity organisations such as the one referenced by the Deputy are funded from a range of different sources across different Government Departments and agencies.
For example, my Department funds the Community Enhancement Programme. The 2020 programme was launched in June with funding of €2m providing small capital grants to community organisations towards enhancing facilities. Separately, under the July stimulus package my Department launched a €5m fund for repairs or upgrades to community centres and community buildings. While both these programmes have recently closed it is hoped to run the CEP programme again in 2021.
More recently my Department launched a €1.7m COVID-19 Emergency Fund , which community and voluntary groups can apply for by contacting the Local Community Development Committee or Local Authority in their area. This follows on from a previous €2.5m round of this fund.
More generally, depending on the activities carried out in the facility, there may be different types of funding available from a range of Government Departments and agencies. I recommend that the group in question engage with both the Local Community Development Committee and the Local Development Company in their area for any updates in this regard.
