Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022
562. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide funding for another round of the Community Activities Fund in 2022 given the significant increase in energy and running costs for community groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31389/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe €9m Community Activities Fund was launched in November 2021 to support community groups impacted by COVID-19. This Fund was allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP).
The fund was to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups were also able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community, such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.
This once-off fund was administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The Fund is now closed to applicants. Details of successful projects from each LCDC will be available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
There are currently no plans to run the Community Activities Fund again, however, it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022.
