Written answers

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Department of Rural and Community Development

Departmental Funding

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

552. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a request for CSP funding in the name of a group (details supplied) will be reviewed as a matter of urgency; and if the funding requested will be approved given the significance of the project to the local community and the enormous contribution being made by volunteers. [29127/21]

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

My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution of €19,033 for each fulltime equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, provides €32,000 towards the cost of employing a manager. Qualifying organisations must be social enterprises capable of generating income from their activities in order to meet the full salary costs of the supported posts, for example, from income received from the public use of facilities and services. The scheme is managed by Pobal, on behalf of my Department.  

I understand that Pobal is providing ongoing support to the organisation in question and is continuing to engage with their Board in progressing their business planning in connection with their application for acceptance under this programme. Pobal have advised that they have offered the organisation the use of an external business coach to assist them to complete their revised business plan submission. In addition, Pobal’s Development Coordinator is in regular contact with their Chair and Treasurer, most recently on 28 May by email.

At this stage, it is not possible to confirm what level of funding, if any, may ultimately be provided to the organisation until a final business plan is submitted and is appraised for funding. However, Pobal will continue to work with the organisation with a view to finalising their business plan in connection with their application under this programme.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.