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

I thank the Deputy for his question relating to plans to support the establishment and continued support of community councils throughout the country. A number of community council groups are established across the country. My Department has provided support to these organisations under a number of schemes. A range of other community development entities are also in place right across the country. All such groups can apply for funding from a range of schemes operated by my Department.

I also note the importance of the structures that are in place to ensure local engagement in community development. The local community development committees were established with the objective of putting people and communities at the centre of delivery at local government level. A key function of the LCDCs is to prepare the community elements of the six-year local economic and community plans. The LECPs also outline how each local authority plan can foster community involvement in policy development and decision-making processes at local level.

Public participation networks, PPNs, provide another layer of community participation in local community development by building a network of community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups to inform local government policy and priorities. I am aware that a number of PPNs have community council groups as members, which ensures their voice is heard as regards community development priorities.

On the issue of funding, community council groups have obtained funding from schemes such as LEADER, CLÁR, the community centre investment fund and the community recognition fund. I also note that the various iterations of the community enhancement programme have provided funding opportunities at local level to groups such as community councils. I encourage all community groups to regularly engage with their PPN, their LCDC and our website, which details available funding options, to ensure they are aware of all opportunities.

See this speech in context