Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1320. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is any assistance currently available for a community group (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54246/22]

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

My Department introduced a range of supports to help community and voluntary organisations meet the challenges they faced during and after COVID-19.

For instance, in 2020, €4.2 million was provided under the COVID-19 Emergency Fundwhich targeted help at groups participating in the Government’s “Community Call” initiative. 

The Community Activities Fund in 2021 was a €9 million fund provided to support community and voluntary groups impacted by COVID-19, helping them with their bills and maintenance.

The Community Enhancement Programmeprovides vital supports to assist local groups to re-open their facilities post COVID-19. The programme provided €4.5m funding in 2021 for small capital grants for the improvement of facilities. An iteration of the scheme will run again in 2022.  The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and further details will be announced in the coming weeks. 

In general, I would encourage all organisations to check on the www.gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.