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Community Development Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021

Thursday, 14 October 2021

Questions (23)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

23. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the actions that are being considered to simplify the process for small projects to apply for small amounts of funding in view of assurances given to review the process. [49981/21]

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Written answers

My Department operates a number of schemes providing small-scale financial supports and grants to community groups and organisations, including the Community Enhancement Programme and CLÁR Programme. The application processes are reviewed before each call for applications to ensure they are user friendly and fit for purpose.

Following a review of the criteria for the CLÁR Programme, my Department initiated a process whereby local authorities further assist communities by verifying information for applicants and ensuring that all required permissions, match-funding, etc., are in place so applications fulfil all scheme requirements.

The Community Enhancement Programme is also the result of a review of the Communities Facilities Scheme and RAPID programme and provides a more flexible, and targeted approach to providing small scale infrastructure funding to enhance facilities in disadvantaged communities.

My Department offers information sessions and workshops for communities and groups on its funding programmes and schemes. This helps applicants understand the schemes, criteria which apply and with completing the application process.

The LEADER programme, under the remit of my Department, is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 sub-regional areas. I am committed to making the application process for LEADER as efficient as possible for all applicants.

My Department engages regularly with the Local Action Groups (LAGs) delivering LEADER to identify potential areas for programme improvement. Following a forum with the LAGs, I have implemented a series of 31 improvements to streamline the LEADER programme. I will continue to closely monitor the implementation of LEADER to ensure the process is as streamlined as possible while being mindful of the governing EU Regulations.

I believe these efforts will see administrative barriers reduced in order that our funding has the broadest possible reach and that all eligible groups have the opportunity to access available supports.

In addition, my Department is committed to keeping under review the administration of all our funding programmes and schemes to ensure they remain fit for purpose, targeted, can be accessed by those who need the supports most and are delivering benefits for communities across the country. I welcome feedback on our programmes and schemes from communities so we can continue to do this.

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