Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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190. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps he will take to ensure that funding support is provided to a community (details supplied) for a sensory garden in the locality. [43720/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides a range of supports to communities and groups nationwide in both urban and rural areas, helping citizens to participate in the development of their communities and providing funding to improve facilities.

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP)is one such funding stream under which the community group referred to may be eligible to apply for funding towards the provision of  a sensory garden.

The CEP is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) on behalf of this Department.  Typical projects funded can include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, improvements to town parks, common areas and spaces, CCTV equipment and energy efficiency-type projects. 

In 2019, under the CEP, this Department provided funding of €4.5m for capital grants to community groups, with €212,306allocated to the Dublin City Council area.  While the 2019 programme is closed, it is likely to be open again in 2020 and will be advertised in each Local Authority area.  

Dublin City Council may also have funding available through community grants schemes.  For more information the group should be advised to contact Dublin City Council, Community and Social Development Section, by telephone 01 222 2148 or emailcommunity@dublincity.ie

The group should also be advised to contact their Local Development Company (Northside Partnership Ltd.) who can also help with information about any grants that become available from other sources.