Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 8 together.

I launched the new community enhancement programme in May. The programme builds on and replaces the communities facilities scheme and the RAPID programme. Its development followed a review of the two schemes and consultation with the 33 local community development committees, LCDCs, across the country. Details of the review are available on my Department's website.

The programme provides capital grants for community groups. Funding is allocated to each local authority area, taking account of deprivation levels. It is not ringfenced by the Department for specific locations. Instead, the LCDC ensures funding is allocated to those groups and areas that need it most in order to address disadvantage.

I originally allocated €4.5 million for the programme in 2018. Based on the hugely positive feedback from communities througout the country, I have recently allocated an additional €8 million.

The programme only launched this year and therefore has not yet been formally reviewed. The LCDCs monitor the programme closely and use their local knowledge to ensure that funding is benefitting communities, urban and rural, in the fairest way possible. It is intended that the programme will be subject to audit by the Local Government Audit Service. I am delighted with the success of this programme and I can see the benefits it brings to communities.

See this speech in context