Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
578. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding provided for the community development programme in 2021; the range of activities and community development that will be supported under the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26240/21]
View answerFunding of €1m will be provided for a pilot Community Development Programme in 2021. It is expected that the programme will continue for three years. The pilot programme will support up to eight projects engaged in community development work with marginalised communities. An allocation of €120,000 - €140,000 per organisation is anticipated.
The overall aim is to trial community development initiatives that address poverty, social exclusion and inequality, and promote human rights. The focus will be on community development organisations working or seeking to work at local level to address issues in areas such as racism (including Travellers and Roma), domestic or sexual violence, migration, gender, people living in direct provision or seeking international protection, climate action and Just Transition.
The Pilot Programme has attracted a large amount of high quality applications from a range of organisations who work with marginalised groups the length and breadth of the country and it is expected that successful applicants will be notified at the end of May.
