Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
640. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason for the delay in commencing the new SICAP programme in Galway to the end of March 2024; if his Department was in consultation with Galway County Council's LCDC on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53513/23]
View answerMy Department’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting rural and urban communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.
The procurement process for SICAP 2024-2028 is currently ongoing. Galway County Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), the Contracting Authority for the delivery of SICAP in County Galway, are currently evaluating the tenders received for the 3 Contract Areas; Galway East, Galway West and Galway Islands.
Due to unforeseen delays in the procurement process, Galway County LCDC in consultation with my Department Officials have issued a broadcast via the eTenders system to all tenderers in Galway County, advising that the current SICAP Contract will be extended for a period of three months to the end of March 2024, to allow time for the new SICAP contract to be put in place.
This ensures that a fair, transparent and robust process is implemented in the awarding of the new contracts whilst also ensuring the vital work the programme does in supporting those most disadvantaged and marginalised in society is continued in County Galway.
My main priority is to ensure the continuation of SICAP service delivery while the new SICAP 2024 - 2028 tender evaluation process is concluding and new contracts are put in place.
