Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1173. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available to non-profit organisations that run residential and refuge services to convert buildings to make them accessible for disabled persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21281/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Funding for the type of project referred to by the Deputy may be available through the LEADER Transitional Programme.

This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, came into effect on the 1April 2021 for new project applications. The programme is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. 

Funding is provided under a broad range of themes, including enterprise development and social inclusion. In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme. 

The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in each LEADER area. Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the proposed application, the related project and the funding that may be available.

The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department's website at the following link: .

The Community Enhancement Programme provides small capital grants to community groups to enhance facilities.Typical projects funded can include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, disability access projects, improvements to town parks, common areas and spaces. It is intended to announce details of the  2021 Community Enhancement Programme in Q2, 2021. It will then be advertised in each Local Authority area by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) who administer the grant on behalf of this Department.