Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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506. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if grants are available to upgrade a defibrillator (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5778/23]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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Some of my Department's programmes fund the purchase of capital equipment such as through the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2022 Community Support Fund (CSF) under the Community Enhancement Programme was launched in November 2022 with funding of €10 million, and is now open to applications.

The CSF is administered by the Local Community Development Committees in each Local Authority area, on behalf of my Department. The fund covers the purchase of equipment (such as defibrillators) but does not generally cover operating costs related to the maintenance, repair, or service of defibrillators. I would advise the group to make contact with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for further details on the programme.

The LEADER Programme is also a source of funding for rural areas and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. Groups should contact their Local Action Group to determine eligibility.