I propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 513 together.
I launched the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) earlier this year.
The programme replaces and builds on two schemes which operated in 2017, the Communities Facilities Scheme (CFS) and the re-cast RAPID programme. It was put in place following a review of those two schemes, and consideration of a Value-for-Money review of the original RAPID programme that closed to new applications in 2011.
Combining these schemes makes for a more flexible, streamlined and targeted approach to providing funding to those communities most in need, while reducing the level of administration involved.
Under the new programme community groups in any area, regardless of its previous RAPID designation, can apply for funding. I have provided funding to each Local Authority (LA) area, taking into account levels of disadvantage and the overall population in each LA area. The Local Community Development Committee then administers the programme to ensure funding is allocated locally to community groups in areas that need it most, in order to address disadvantage as identified in their Local Economic and Community Plan.
The CEP and its predecessor programmes provide Capital funding only.
Capital Expenditure (for the CEP, CFS, and RAPID)
|
|
2016 Allocation /Expenditure
|
2017 Allocation /Expenditure
|
2018 Allocation /Expenditure
|
2019 Provisional Allocation
|
|
CEP *
|
€0
|
€0
|
€0m/€13m
|
€4m
|
|
CFS
|
€0
|
€2m/€1.969m
|
€2m/€0m
|
n/a
|
|
RAPID
|
€0.032m
|
€2.5m/€2.5m
|
€2.5m/€0m
|
n/a
|
* A new CEP was introduced in 2018. It was funded initially by €2.5m from the RAPID subhead and €2m from the CFS subhead. Due to the success of the new CEP and the level of demand in communities, a further €8.5 million in Capital funding was allocated to the initial €4.5m in the second half of the year.
