Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

73. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria for grant aid under the community facilities scheme. [1698/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2017 Communities Facilities Scheme was launched in March 2017.  The scheme is administered on my Department's behalf by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) under the remit of the Local Authorities.

Under the scheme community and voluntary groups can apply for grants for capital projects which benefit the local community.  Applications must relate to at least one of the following key target group and thematic areas: 

- Youth

- Older people

- Immigrants

- Refugees

- Travellers

- Ex-prisoners and families of prisoners/ex-prisoners

- Projects promoting cultural activity

- Projects promoting equality

- Community development projects

- Projects promoting integration

- Projects which are part of the Creative Ireland 2017-2022 initiative

Communities Facilities Scheme funding is only available for capital projects, or capital funded elements of projects.  Further details on the 2017 scheme are available on my Department's website, at

My Department is currently reviewing the Community Facilities Scheme to facilitate improvements for 2018. This review may result in some changes to the criteria that applied previously.  Any changes will be communicated to all stakeholders on the announcement of the 2018 scheme.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

74. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the initiatives to be put in place to support the community and voluntary sector in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1739/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department supports a range of initiatives in the community and voluntary sector and has lead responsibility for developing the relationship between the State and the community and voluntary sector. The Scheme to Support National Organisations which has been in place since 2008 is a key element in the State's support for the role of the sector in developing a strong and vibrant civil society. The scheme’s objective is to provide multi-annual funding towards core costs of national organisations, focussed on organisations supporting disadvantage. Under a three-year funding programme which commenced in 2016, my Department will allocate €5.921m to the SSNO in 2018.

My Department also supports volunteer centres and volunteer information services nationwide, as well as a number of national organisations such as Volunteer Ireland and Young Social Innovators.  The funding of these organisations is designed to strengthen and foster volunteerism in Ireland, building a support structure for volunteering locally from the bottom up. This is key to the Department’s citizen engagement objectives and supports the spirit of participation in communities. A total of €3.5m was allocated to these organisations in 2017 and a similar amount will be available in 2018.

Furthermore, my Department supports Public Participation Networks (PPN) which have now been established in each local authority area. PPNs aim to enable the public to take an active formal role in relevant policy making and oversight committees of the local authority.  Since 2015, funding of up to €50,000 has been provided by my Department to each PPN, with supplementary funding being provided by local authorities. Similar funding arrangements will continue in 2018 to support PPNs in terms of their continued operation and development.

My Department also provides funding to members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar to allow for input into the policy making process within the community and voluntary sector. This year my Department will allocate €0.565m to the Pillar.

Finally the Deputy will be aware that I launched a revised Seniors Alert Scheme last October. The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision 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. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, as a result of the revised scheme and a widespread publicity campaign, there has been a significant uptake by the targeted group. My Department will allocate €2.3m to the scheme in 2018.