In October 2021, I launched the 2021 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF).
The purpose of DPAF 2021 was to provide funding to Local Authorities across Ireland to support the participation of people with disabilities in local activities, to help to remove barriers to community involvement, and to support the promotion and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in communities. A total of €2.5m was made available to Local Authorities to fund projects in their local area for these purposes.
While Galway County Council did receive funding on foot of a successful application to DPAF 2021, it is my understanding that to date Galway County Council has not provided funding received through DPAF 2021 to the organisation specified. Dispersal of funds under DPAF is required to be in line with applications submitted and approved.
Work is underway on a follow-on fund which will be awarded this year.