Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

During 2023 more than €16.5 million was allocated to Cork city and county through the schemes administered by my Department, such as the rural regeneration and development fund; the LEADER Programme; the town and village renewal scheme; the community centre investment fund; the community services programme; and the social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, programme. Since 2020, more than €110 million has been allocated to Cork by the Department, across the range of schemes it operates.

Community groups can apply for funding across many of the programmes in place, with the LEADER Programme, the town and village renewal scheme and the community centre investment fund being of particular relevance. I would also note that the community services programme is an important support for many such organisations, both in Cork and nationally.

For sporting organisations, while the main source of funding is through Sport Ireland and its parent Department, the Department provides important supports through the CLÁR programme and the community enhancement programme.

Through CLÁR in 2023, Cork received funding for three projects totalling almost €110,000 under the measure for sports clubs announced in December. A further 11 projects, totalling more than €455,000, were successful under the measure in CLÁR 2023 for community projects, which the Minister announced earlier this month. This included support for community sport and recreation facilities.

We also announced €6 million in funding for the local enhancement programme at the end of last year, and that scheme is currently open for calls though the local authority. Together, Cork city and county were allocated €270,000, with almost €80,000 of that ring-fenced to support women's groups.

In addition, under the community recognition fund in 2023, €1.16 million was allocated to Cork City Council and €2.3 million to Cork County Council. Budget 2024 provides the Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. This significant level of funding will ensure investment throughout the country, including in County Cork, will continue this year.

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