Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

76. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the take-up of grants under the Community Activities Fund for groups impacted by Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60125/21]

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

A new €9m fund called the Community Activities Fund, was launched by my Department in November 2021 and continues into 2022 to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.

This fund will support local community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running/operating costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance as well as refurbishment work or purchase equipment.

The fund is administered in the same way as the Community Enhancement Programme, with grant applications assessed in each local authority area by the Local Community Development Committee to ensure there is flexibility to allow funding to be targeted where it is needed. Details on how to apply for the Community Activities Fundwill be advertised in each area by the relevant Local Authority. As the funds are currently being launched across the country, there is no information as yet in relation to the uptake.