While community facilities are funded from a range of different sources across different Government Departments and agencies, some examples of the supports provided by my Department to community organisations include a €45 million support package for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises. This funding is being made available through the Dormant Accounts Fund, set aside to support initiatives benefiting the most disadvantaged. Eligible centres are receiving funding under this package.
In addition, 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.
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 in their area. This follows on from a previous €2.5m round of this fund.
My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. In response to the difficulties faced by organisations as a result of COVID-19, my Department developed a €4.75m Support Fund to assist CSP supported organisations to retain their CSP supported employees on their payroll and also to provide assistance for the Employers PRSI contribution, during this crisis period and until April 2021.
The Rural Development Investment Programme is being tailored to address the emerging challenges associated with COVID-19. This includes schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme through which improvements to community centres have been funded in the past.
Some of these scheme have closed for 2020, and I would encourage all groups to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available in 2021.
The specific matter of water fees falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
