Community Development Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Questions (2192)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

2192. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when it is intended to seek new expressions of interest for the Community Services Programme in view of the number of suitable possible projects available for the scheme; if it is intended to ensure that all community centres that received State capital funding will have the benefit of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42876/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

My Department’s Community Services Programme, or CSP, currently supports over 430 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and deliver a diverse range of local services, including community centres, through a social enterprise model. 

Following an independent review of the CSP, the programme is currently being redesigned. It is anticipated that all existing organisations will transition to the new programme in January 2023 following an application process later this year. The new programme will include community assets, such as community centres, under sub programme 1 Spaces and Services. 

Pending the transition to the new restructured programme, the scheme is closed to new applications through the Expression of Interest process. It is anticipated that the programme may open calls to address identified gaps in service delivery later in 2022, and any additional entrants will be considered in light of available budgets.

Organisations who wish to be contacted should a targeted call open later in 2022, can provide their relevant contact details to my Department at [e-mail] and we will keep them on file and notify them at the appropriate time. 

In the interim, as open calls under the CSP can be a lengthy process, organisations that currently require immediate supports should consider contacting their Local Development Company who may be able to provide some guidance on other supports available at this time such as my Department of Social Protection's Rural Social Scheme (RSS), Tús and Community Employment (CE) schemes.