Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
310. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands if supports are available for local resource centres and community halls which have not had significant room hire income for most of 2020 due to Covid-19. [22795/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFamily Resource Centres and Community Facilities are funded from a range of different sources across different Government Departments and agencies. For example, the Family Resource Centre Programme, which supports Family Resource Centres (FRCs) throughout the country is administered by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Some of the supports provided by my Department are outlined below.
Funding is provided to over 400 community organisations under the Community Services Programme (CSP) some of which are operating community centres or resource centres. My Department also developed a 2020 Support Fund which provided an additional once off payment to CSP organisations to cover a 12 week period from 26th March 2020.
The 2020 Community Enhancement Programme with funding of €2m which provides small capital grants to community organisations was launched in June. Separately, under the July stimulus package the Department launched a €5m fund for repairs or upgrades to community centres and community buildings. Details are available on the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/2af76-minister-joe-obrien-announces-details-of-5m-funding-for-community-centres-community-facilities/
In addition, in 2020 my Department announced a package of supports for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises, which included a Stability Fund of up to €35m. Some community centres and family resource centres have been funded if they met all eligibility criteria.
Funding is also provided to rural community groups through the LEADER Programme, and this may be relevant to these organisations. Details can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/216837-the-rural-development-and-regional-affairs-division/
While recognising that the social recovery of Ireland post COVID-19 will require a whole of Government approach, my Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including Local Authorities and Local Development Companies, to determine how best this can be achieved and will continue to work to support community organisations across the country.
