Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left)
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764. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the future funding and status of the Dublin 12 disability mainstream access project (details supplied); and if he will provide an update on whether a workable solution has been found. [23266/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership provided funding to the Dublin 12 Disability Mainstream Access Project under my Department’s Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). The LCDP concluded on 31 March 2015 and the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) was rolled out across communities on 1 April 2015. Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership was unsuccessful in its tender to deliver the SICAP in the Canal/Rathmines/Pembroke Lot area, and I am advised that as a result the company is no longer in a position to continue managing the project referred to. As SICAP will be overseen and managed by the new Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area, the configuration of delivery bodies/delivery arrangements for the Dublin City area for local and community programmes is a matter for the LCDC of Dublin City Council to consider in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, commensurate with service needs. Pobal, on behalf of my Department, has been liaising with Dublin City Council on service provision matters in the Dublin City area. In addition, Dublin City Council and the relevant LCDC are continuing to liaise with the SICAP implementer for the Canal/Rathmines/Pembroke area, on service delivery issues arising in the area.

The winning tenderer for the Canal/Rathmines/Pembroke Lot area has signalled its intention to target people with disabilities within its SICAP Action Plan. Under their Action Plan the successful tenderer intends to promote the proactive inclusion of people with disabilities and their families into existing social and community groups and activities. It will also support the development of specific disability interest groups and has indicated that it will build upon the existing disability networks such as Gateway, Bluebell Disability Outreach project and the Disability Mainstream Access Project.

Recognising the existence of a large number of voluntary organisations in the area referred to, an area wide Disability Forum will be established involving the Health Service Executive (HSE), Department of Social Protection (DSP), WALK, Menni Services and local community interests, with the aim of promoting inclusion in community based services and activities for people with disabilities and greater awareness of their needs.

In line with HSE and government policy, the action will focus on supporting the development of community based services for people with disabilities in the area of social outlets, recreation and sports. It will also seek to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in work and make sure these services are relevant to the needs of people with disabilities.