Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The new community enhancement programme which I launched earlier this year builds on and replaces the original RAPID programme and is different in a number of ways. The funding is allocated by my Department to each local authority area taking account of deprivation levels. Disadvantaged community groups in any location within Wexford, or any other area, can apply to their local community development committee, LCDC, for funding. The LCDC administers the scheme to ensure that funding is provided locally to the groups that need it most.

I originally allocated €4.5 million to the programme in 2018, and subsequently increased the funding, bringing the total amount to €12.5 million.  Of this, County Wexford received a total of €470,891. In addition I made €23,188 available to the 16 men's sheds in Wexford under the men’s shed fund, which is part of the community enhancement programme.

While the funding for 2019 is not yet confirmed, I expect the national allocation to be in the region of the €4.5 million that was initially provided in 2018.  County allocations will be determined in 2019.

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