Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1174. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the Covid-19 supports available to local community centres such as a centre (details supplied) in County Meath which have suffered a significant loss of income during the Covid-19 pandemic while expenses, insurance costs for example, have continued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21317/21]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a number of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restriction necessary in the interests of public health.

In 2020, my Department supported 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities, through the COVID-19 Stability Fund for community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises.

I am pleased to say that a further €10M has been allocated to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on Tuesday 23rd February by the Taoiseach. Further details on how eligible organisations can apply for this funding will be available shortly.

My Department also administers the Community Enhancement Programme, which provides small capital grants to community groups to enhance facilities. Typical projects funded can include the renovation of community centers, 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.

I would encourage the organisation in question to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.