Thomas Gould
Ceist:1728. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available to community centres struggling with increased gas and electricity bills. [14586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 9 April 2024
Ceisteanna (1728)
Freagraí scríofa
Last year, I was delighted to announce details of successful applicants of the Community Support Fund (CSF) under the Community Enhancement Programme. Funding of €10 million was allocated to assist local community and voluntary groups across the country with a multitude of costs including energy and utility bills, other operating costs, minor upgrade works and small capital purchases.
Last December, I launched the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. There was a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding could be used, but was not limited to improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The CSF and the LEP are now closed to applicants and details of successful projects will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd.
I would encourage all community 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.
I look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful supports like the CSF and LEP to local communities as we support them to respond to the challenges they face.