Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In 2019 my Department is providing €6.5m for the Dublin North East Inner City area.  This supports the social and economic regeneration of an area at the heart of our capital city.  It will benefit not only the local community but the city as a whole. The funding underlines the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the recommendations of the Mulvey Report are implemented.

Other disadvantaged communities in the wider Dublin area also receive funding from my Department. The SICAP programme will provide €9.7m to the Dublin area in 2019 giving vital support to those community groups and individuals most in need.  In addition, under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) my Department allocated €675k to the Dublin area in 2019 so that community groups could avail of small capital grants. The Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in each area administers the CEP at a local level to ensure the funding is targeted to address disadvantage.

LCDCs play a key role in tackling issues in disadvantaged areas, bringing a more coordinated, whole-of-Government approach to local and community development. They are best placed to ensure that state funding is channeled to those areas and communities most in need.  My Department will continue to work with Local Authorities through the LCDCs to ensure that appropriate local plans are developed and available resources are targeted effectively to support the development of vibrant and sustainable communities.