Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
710. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial assistance available for community centres and halls to cover running costs that are accruing while these centres are closed due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23101/21]
View answerThe Government are aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and are committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a number of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and the social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
In 2020, my Department supported 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities, through the COVID-19 Stability Fund for community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises.
I am pleased to confirm that an allocation of €10m has been provided to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced in February. Further details on how eligible organisations can apply for this funding will be available in the coming days.
Separately, my Department also intends to launch the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) over the coming days. The CEP provides small grants to community groups and the 2021 programme will again give consideration to supporting groups in dealing with the specific challenges brought by COVID-19. This programme may be more relevant to smaller community groups and it is recommended that such groups monitor the Department’s website or stay in touch with the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), who will be administering the programme in their area, for further details. The contact details for LCDCs can be found on my Departments website at the link below
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/38066e-local-community-development-committees-list/
In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
