Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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593. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to a club (details supplied) in County Limerick which organises activities for older persons in the area, the immediate stream of funding available for this type of group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24709/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The Leader element of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities. Funding for the activities referred to in the question may be eligible under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The selection process for Local Action Groups to deliver the Programme has commenced and will be finalised in the coming months .

In line with the community led approach of LEADER, the Local Action Groups are the final decision makers in relation to projects for each local area. In order for a project to be eligible, it must be consistent with the needs that are identified in the relevant areas Local Development Strategy. These Local Development Strategies will be developed by the Local Action Groups from August onwards and will involve public consultation. I envisage that LEADER funding will become available in some rural communities in late autumn.

In addition, my Department manages the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department. The maximum grant per beneficiary for equipment is as follows:

- Monitored personal alarms (with pendant) - €250

- Additional pendant/Re-installation - €50

The annual monitoring costs (generally between €60 - €80 per annum) are borne by the beneficiary.