Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1577. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends to release another tranche of funding for both the community enhancement grants and grants for women's sheds to local authorities in 2024 (details supplied); if she will expedite payment to avoid doubling the administrative work of allocating the grants at local authority level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11888/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2023, I launched the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. The overall €6 million LEP includes a special ring-fenced capital fund of €1 million to provide support for Women’s Groups (i.e., Sheds, Groups, Clubs, Networks etc…), and builds on the €100,000 ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the 2022 Community Support Fund.
In addition to the €1 million ring-fenced fund, Women’s Sheds were also eligible to apply under the main LEP funding stream, which will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
There was a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with support from their Local Authority. The LEP is now closed to applicants and details of successful projects will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in quarter 2 of 2024. Further funding for the LEP for 2024 will be considered within the context of the budgetary estimates process later in the year.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) also provides supports to Women’s Sheds, for example in facilitating training courses and holding focus groups. This support remains available through SICAP.
Separately, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development. The budget for the LEADER programme is allocated for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility in the allocation of funding, to the Local Action Group delivering the programme.
Organisations, such as Women’s Sheds, may be eligible for LEADER funding but in the first instance contact should be made with the local implementing partner. Contact details for the Implementing Partners are available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups/.
I would encourage all groups to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
