Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
62. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps that are being taken to assist charities and community groups with the growing costs in relation to energy and insurance. [8784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the challenges facing community groups in relation to utilities and insurance costs. In November 2021 I launched the €9m Community Activities Fund to support community and voluntary groups impacted by COVID-19.
The fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility (Electricity, Heating charges) or insurance bills. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and/or improvements to their facilities as well as the purchase of equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment. The fund is being administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees in each Local Authority area.
Another support provided by my Department was the COVID-19 Stability Fund. Through the Stability Fund, my Department supported a total of 863 organisations delivering critical services to vulnerable people in 2020 and 2021 with total funding of €48.8m. The fund is now closed and there are no plans at present for further rounds of the Stability Fund.
