Patrick Costello
Question:630. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the criteria under which the selection and consultations for the Sláintecare healthy communities fund were made. [54521/21]
View answerTuesday, 9 November 2021
Questions (630)
Written answers
The focus of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Enhancement Fund is to support projects that positively impact on the health and wellbeing of those who live within the 19 communities. In particular, the Scheme supports projects that not only provide an outlet for the communities in which they are situated, but that also deliver added value from a social determinants of health perspective, positioning communities within the 19 areas to respond to the post-COVID-19 impacts on health and wellbeing.
Projects were identified and selected by the relevant Local Authorities and submitted for approval. The projects had to be in line with the objectives and focus of the Program. This includes, but is not limited to, the upkeep, repair and development of trails, walkways, playgrounds, greenways, blueways, recreational facilities, natural play areas that form part of a larger outdoor recreation project and the promotion and marketing of such infrastructure. The Local Authorities were asked to, where possible, indicate how the projects are inclusive of the vulnerable members of the population and/or how they will promote an improved sense of community.
Local Authorities were responsible for conducting their own consultations with their communities. Projects may have a partnership aspect or may have been drawn from existing community engagement. In selecting the projects for submission for consideration, the Local Authorities used the below criteria:
- The project outcomes must have clear positive health impacts or benefits for local communities.
- The project must be collaborative in nature.
- The proposed project address an identified need.
- The timelines clearly set out in the application and realistically achievable.
- Clear and reasonable costings for the project were provided.
- The project support an inclusive approach for vulnerable people in the community and enhances opportunities for these people.
- The outcomes of the project must demonstrate a sustainable and positive impact on the local area.