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Community Development Initiatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Ceisteanna (611)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

611. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline the funds that will be available to enable elderly persons over 70 years of age meet for recreational and leisure pursuits and for social occasions on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7412/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department provides a variety of supports in respect of community and rural development which are available to many sectors of society, including the elderly.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a key intervention for disadvantaged communities. The Programme Implementers in each area work with the elderly in their locality, once they fall within one of the SICAP target groups. There are currently two Lot areas in which older people have been selected as an 'emerging needs group', that require a particular focus under the programme.

The Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development (RAPID) programme provides funding for capital projects to improve the lives of residents in disadvantaged urban areas. Projects funded under this programme specifically aimed at elderly in 2017 included providing meeting spaces and providing IT equipment for training.

The Communities Facilities Scheme is targeted at both urban and rural areas and funds projects that seek to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level. Projects funded under this scheme specifically aimed at elderly in 2017 included purchasing equipment and furniture for use by painting and yoga groups and purchasing sports equipment like table tennis tables, basketball and bowling equipment.

The SICAP, RAPID and CFS schemes are administered on my Department's behalf by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) under the remit of the Local Authorities.

My Department also provides core funding to national organisations in the community and voluntary sector through the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO), including organisations that provide services to older people. Additionally, through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, my Department provides funding for the development and improvement of recreational infrastructure all over Ireland - projects that support better access to recreational amenities for all citizens including elderly persons are welcome to apply for funding under the Scheme. I expect to announce funding under the 2018 round of this scheme in the coming months.

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