Written answers
Thursday, 14 October 2021
Department of Rural and Community Development
Community Development Projects
Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
44. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria her Department and Pobal have adopted for awarding grants and funding for units of an organisation (details supplied); if she will consider introducing a funding scheme for capital projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49535/21]
Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
My Department delivers a range of supports to community groups including Men's Sheds, some of which are administered by Pobal. The eligibility criteria differ depending on the specific programme and work being completed.
For example, the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP)provides small capital grants to community groups, including Men's Sheds. In the past, a ring-fenced fund was provided under the CEP specifically for Men's and Women's sheds. While the ring-fenced fund is no longer operating, sheds can still apply to the main CEP, via their Local Community Development Committee, when it is next open.
Separately, depending on the project being completed, funding may be available through the Leader Transitional programme. The programme is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. Interested applicants should make contact with the relevant LAG to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available.
The CLÁR programme also provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The measures funded are available on my Department’s website and may be relevant to some Sheds.
In the past some funding was provided towards Sheds under the Town and Village Renewal Schemeand the Small Capital Grants Scheme for Social Enterprises.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has also provided supports to over 200 Men’s Sheds since 2018 usually in the form of training and capacity building, with small grants totaling over €98,000 awarded to 116 Men’s Sheds.
My Department also funded the national organisation, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, under the Stability Fundin 2020 and under the Scheme to Support National Organisations.
These funding supports are available to all community groups, including Men’s Sheds.
Details of all these programmes, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and other information, can be found on www.gov.ie.
No comments