Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 301: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the mechanisms available to a community group (details supplied) to protect its interest in view of the concerns raised in a report; his advice or assistance with such matters in view of the importance of the facility to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38642/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 302: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department offers emergency funding to a community to carry out necessary work on their community centre (details supplied) in view of the fact that the centre is the only one in the community and some 20 groups are now without a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38643/08]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.

My Department funds two Programmes aimed at supporting the activities of community and voluntary groups with a focus on addressing disadvantage or where evidence of need has been clearly identified in their communities. The first Programme provides grants to smaller community and voluntary groups to support refurbishment work and the equipping of community facilities. The second Programme aims to enhance the capacity and activities of people and organisations working in the community and voluntary sector to improve governance and provide better quality services to the people they support. Both Programmes were advertised in the first week of June this year and applications are currently being accepted. Details in relation to all the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including eligibility criteria, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.