Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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323. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether new expressions of interest are being accepted at present by her Department for the community services project scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20035/24]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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My Department of Rural and Community Development's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.

Funding of €1m was made available for a Call for Proposals in respect of specific CSP services which issued in March 2023, which resulted in the approval of 14 organisations to enter the CSP programme on 13th December last. Some other applications that were not approved to enter the programme arising from this call may be considered at a later date, as funding becomes available.

While no further calls for proposals are anticipated at this time, my Department can hold contact details on file should the programme open for new applicants in the near future. Contact details for a nominated person can be provided to the email address csp@drcd.gov.ie. It should be noted that any additional new entrants will be considered in light of available budgets.

It is also suggested that organisations should make contact with their Local Development Company or Local Authority who may be able to provide some guidance on supports available at this time.