Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
1299. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the grants available for NGOs and community organisations to retrofit their premises to enable access for persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16978/21]
View answer1300. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the grants available for NGOs and community organisations to retrofit accommodation, refuge services and properties to enable access for persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16979/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1299 and 1300 together.
Funding for the type of project referred to by the Deputy may be available through the LEADER Transitional Programme.
This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, will come into effect on the 1 April 2021 for new project applications. The programme will be 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, including enterprise development and social inclusion. In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
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: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.
In addition, the type of project outlined may be eligible to apply for funding through the Community Enhancement Programme which provides capital grants to community groups to enhance facilities.
Typical projects funded can include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, improvements to town parks, common areas and spaces and disability access projects.
It is intended to announce details of the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme in Q2, 2021. It will then be advertised in each Local Authority area by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) who administer the grant on behalf of this Department. For more information on this programme see gov.ie.
