Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
768. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will review the eligibility criteria for men's/women's sheds grants ahead of future rounds of funding (details supplied). [16530/24]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to both Men's and Women’s Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
Men’s and Women’s Sheds were eligible to apply for capital funding under my Department’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), which I announced last December. This €6 million capital fund was set up to assist thousands of community groups across the country.
There was a particular focus on small capital works/necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, as well as 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 LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with support from their Local Authority. The LEP is now closed to applicants and details of successful projects will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in the coming weeks. Further funding for the Local Enhancement Programme will be considered within the context of the budgetary estimates process later in the year.
I would encourage all groups to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
