Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
785. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will establish a grant aid scheme for charity shops that are exempt from local authority rates to enable them to adapt their premises to minimise the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12217/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Community Enhancement Programme provides small capital grants to community groups to improve facilities in their area. The 2020 Programme which was launched recently may be relevant to charity shops, depending on the nature of their work.
The Department gives flexibility to Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) to tailor the programme in each Local Authority area, so that it meets local priorities. It is recommended that applicants contact the LCDC in their area for further details.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund is intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to those most in need in our society and those in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
This fund will provide up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria align with DAF objectives to support:
1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3. Persons with a disability.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the Fund was 21 May 2020. Over 1,000 applications have been received and as these applications are subject to a verification and assessment process, which is currently ongoing, the final number of eligible applications is yet to be determined. Organisations approved for funding from the Stability Fund will be informed shortly.
