Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
594. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of Women’s Sheds supported by her Department, by county basis; what Government supports have been allocated to Women’s Sheds in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3999/24]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to Women’s Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
In December 2023, I was delighted to launch the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which replaces my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme, with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. The overall €6 million LEP includes a special ring-fenced capital fund of €1 million to provide support for Women’s Groups (i.e., Sheds, Groups, Clubs, Networks etc…), and builds on the €100,000 ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the 2022 Community Support Fund. The ring-fenced funding allocated for Women’s Groups is provided in tabular form in the attached table.
In addition to the ring-fenced fund, Women’s Sheds will also be eligible to apply under the main Local Enhancement Programme funding stream, which will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. Each LCDC will be advertising the fund and I would encourage all Women's Sheds to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply.
Details of successful Women’s Sheds under the Local Enhancement Programme will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in quarter 2 of 2024.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) also provides supports to Women’s Sheds, for example in facilitating training courses and holding focus groups. This support remains available through SICAP.
Separately, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. The Department does not, therefore, capture details of the amount of funding approved specifically for Women’s sheds under the LEADER programme.
