Cathal Crowe
Question:668. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the community services scheme will reopen for applications in 2024, and if so, when is it expected to open. [9308/24]
View answerTuesday, 27 February 2024
Questions (668)
Written answers
My Department of Rural and Community Development's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
Funding of €1 million was made available for a Call for Proposals in respect of specific CSP services which issued in March 2023. Interested organisations were requested to submit a concept note as the first step in the application process. The concept note was for potential applicants to express an interest in making a full application for entry to the Community Services Programme.
Pobal, who manage and administer the Programme on behalf of my Department, received a large volume of concept notes. Pobal assessed all concept notes received and following the approval of my department, they invited 33 organisations to make a full application to enter the programme. Following appraisal of the full applications received, I approved 14 of these organisations to enter the CSP programme on 13 December last. Some other applications that were not approved to enter the programme arising from this call may be considered at a later date, as funding becomes available.
While no further calls for proposals are anticipated at this time, my Department can hold contact details on file should the programme open for new applicants in the near future. Contact details for a nominated person can be provided to the email address csp@drcd.gov.ie. It should be noted that any additional new entrants will be considered in light of available budgets.
It is also suggested that organisations should make contact with their Local Development Company or Local Authority who may be able to provide some guidance on supports available at this time. Their Local Intreo Office may be able to assist with the possibility of additional staff resources for activation programmes such as Community Employment or Tús.