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Community Development Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021

Thursday, 15 July 2021

Ceisteanna (106)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

106. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on measures to support community projects as they reopen; and if that support will continue until the pandemic is declared over [38526/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Given the role of my Department in supporting the economic and social development of rural Ireland, and community development throughout Ireland, many of our existing funding schemes support the response to, and recovery from, the pandemic in some way. However, a number of specific targeted measures are aimed at directly supporting the COVID response and recovery.

The main focus has been on community development supports with the increase in gross expenditure for that programme area, from €149.73 million in 2019 up to the €202.51 million in 2020, reflecting that.

My Department continues to provide COVID-19 supports to communities right across the country. On 6th May I launched the 2021 Stability Fund, with an allocation of €10 million, targeting organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. This €10 million investment builds on the €45 million Stability Fund 2020, which supported almost 600 organisations across the country.

The application process for the 2021 Stability Fund has now closed, with applications appraised and assessed in batches to facilitate timely drawdowns. Decisions will be released on an ongoing basis.

I was pleased to announce Tranche One of successful grantees under the 2021 Stability Fund on 9th July, supporting 180 organisations with close to €4.5 million in allocations. Further tranches will follow in due course.

The €4.5 million 2021 Community Enhancement Programme will also provide vital supports to assist local groups to re-open their facilities post COVID-19.

In addition, adjustments to programmes delivered by my Department, such as Town and Village Renewal and CLÁR, have been made, where required, to further support communities during the pandemic.

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