Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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85. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her progress to date in introducing on a phased basis a number of projects similar in approach to community development projects as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43932/20]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Community Development Programme(CDP) was established in 1990. It sought to challenge the underlying causes of disadvantage resulting from the effects of poverty and exclusion.

Up to 200 Projects and organisations were funded under the Programme. These projects had an anti-poverty, anti-exclusion focus and were managed by a voluntary board of management drawn from the local community.

Further to a process of cohesion in 2009, implementation of the programme required the projects funded under the CDPto be integrated with Local Development Companies, with some exceptions.

In respect of the Programme for Partnership Government commitment to introduce a number of projects similar in approach to community development projects, officials in my Department are currently scoping a proposal which would support a small number of existing independent community development organisations to work with marginalised communities and support flexible and innovative community work initiatives.

Additional funding of €1m has been received in budget 2021 to support this proposal.