Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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Last December, I launched the 2024 Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist community groups across the country. The Local Enhancement Programme is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most and will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.

Support under the LEP is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds.

The funding was allocated to each LCDC by providing a baseline amount and allocating the remainder based on the population and disadvantage level in each local authority area. Details of the individual LCDC allocations can be seen in Table 1.

There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.

The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The LEP is currently active and Community Groups should engage with the relevant LCDC for further information and details regarding the LEP in their area. Each individual LCDC set their own closing date but this must be prior to March 8, 2024. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities.

Details of successful projects under the 2024 Local Enhancement Programme will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in quarter 2 of 2024.

TABLE 1: LEP 24 ALLOCATIONS