Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 45 together.

My Department supports the local community development committees which are responsible for overseeing local and community development funding and identifying local needs through the local economic and community plan, LECP, process. Dublin City Council's LECP includes as a strategic goal the provision of a range of public, safe and affordable amenities, activities and facilities that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. In line with this strategic goal, a community centre was recently established in Clongriffin, on the north side of Dublin city. The centre is leased by Dublin City Council and the amenity is available to local community groups since its official launch on 14 May last.

My Department provides a range of supports to communities and community centres nationwide, in both urban and rural areas, by helping citizens to participate in the development of their communities and by providing funding to improve facilities. The public participation networks enable citizens to have a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities. These networks are represented on the local community development committees. In addition, the community enhancement programme which I launched last month can contribute towards the renovation of community centres. My Department also provides funding under the Leader programme, which can support the development of community centres outside of the five main cities.

Separately, once a community centre is in place, the community services programme supports community businesses to provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people. Under the programme, my Department can provide a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions.

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