Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
2064. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding for the provision and installation of a defibrillator will be considered for the area of Clonagh, County Kildare; the correct procedure to be followed to apply for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2335/22]
View answerMy Department does not operate a dedicated fund for the purchase, installation, maintenance, repair or service of defibrillators and there are currently no plans to introduce a specific current fund dedicated to this purpose.
However, some of my Department's programmes fund the purchase of capital equipment such as through the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2021 CEP with funding of €4.5m, is now closed to applications. It is intended that the CEP will open again in Q2 2022. The CEP is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area, on behalf of my Department. The fund covers the purchase of equipment (such as defibrillators).
I also launched the Community Activities Fund in November 2021 which will allow groups apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community. The allocation in Kildare is €296,027. This scheme is part of the CEP and is also administered by the LCDCs. The Department will require that all closing dates are no later than 28 February 2022. The Group should check with Kildare LCDC for further details, www.kildarelcdc.ie/
The LEADER Programme is also capital in nature and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. The Group should contact Kildare Local Action Group info@countykildarelp.ie to determine eligibility.
