Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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769. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the administration supports and other supports that are available to a community group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18763/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has a number of schemes that support community groups across the country.

While my Department does not have any record of the organisation referred to by the Deputy having previously applied for funding, they may be eligible for supports through programmes that include the Community Services Programme; the LEADER programme; CLÁR; and, the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme. Further details of these programmes are outlined below.

The Community Services Programme (CSP) through a social enterprise model, 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, which must be co-funded by the organisations concerned from other sources, for example, from income generated from the use of facilities and services provided. While no further calls for proposals are anticipated at this time, the 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.

Support under the LEADER Programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including the Economic Development and Job Creation theme; and, the Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion theme. Funding for the organisation may be available to develop or enhance facilities under the LEADER programme. It is important to note that running costs of project promoters, such as salary and overhead costs, are not eligible for LEADER funding. Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant Local Action Group to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available.

The CLÁR Programme provides funding for small-scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures. Earlier this month I announced almost €9 million in funding to community and sports facilities nationwide under the 2024 CLÁR programme. Some measures include - Community Facilities and Amenities, Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport. This scheme is now open for applications and further details are available on our website at gov.ie.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2024 – 2028 (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. One of SICAP’s goals is to contribute to building more sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities by empowering groups of individuals, local community groups, networks and social enterprises to address collective community needs. A number of supports may be available to the organisation through SICAP, including grants for initiatives in line with the objectives of SICAP. The organisation should engage with their Local Development Company and Local Community Development Committee on potential supports and eligibility for grants under the programme.

In addition, I would also suggest that should the organisation require immediate supports, they 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. Their Local Intreo Office may be able to assist with the possibility of additional staff resources for activation programmes such as Community Employment or Tús.

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) and the Local Development Companies, to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.

Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures with over €70 million being approved for almost 2,400 projects throughout rural Ireland. This funding is making a real difference in many of our smaller and more remote communities.

The areas originally selected for inclusion in the programme in 2001 were those which suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996. The average population loss in the original CLÁR areas over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.

In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by Maynooth University and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% between 1926 and 2002.

A national review of CLÁR areas was subsequently undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 Census of Population data, reviewing the most recent changes in population patterns throughout the country.

From the review it is clear that many areas have seen population growth in the relevant period rather than decline, and indeed the most recent census data published by the Central Statistics Office points to population growth across all counties since 2016.

The details of the review are being considered by my Department. In addition, the implications of the latest Census data would need to be evaluated before any decisions are made in relation to changing areas throughout Ireland which will be designated as eligible for CLÁR.