Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
663. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide additional funding to the public participation networks to allow them to provide additional funds to community groups struggling to pay energy costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44651/22]
View answerPublic Participation Networks (PPNs) were established to provide representation for the community sector in Local Authority policymaking structures, giving local volunteers a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities.
PPNs are not grant-awarding bodies and are not permitted to give direct grants to community groups. They receive funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and Local Authorities to resource their own core activities related to their functions; namely, local policy representation, building the capacity of volunteer-run groups to contribute to local policy, and providing information and networking opportunities to community groups. The funding is not intended for other purposes.
The €9m Community Activities Fund, which I launched in November 2021, allowed groups in disadvantaged areas to apply for funding for their running costs such as utility (Electricity, Heating charges) or insurance bills. Groups could also apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community. This scheme is part of the CEP and is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The Community Activities Fund is now closed to applicants. Details of successful projects from each LCDC will be available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
It is hoped to run another CEP later in the year, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed. I would advise the local groups to check www.gov.ie/drcd on a regular basis for updates and to also make contact with their LCDCs for further details on funding available locally.
