Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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230. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the various funding channels open to community and sporting organisations that wish to acquire a defibrillator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26709/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In supporting community and sporting organisations, some of my Department's programmes fund the purchase of capital equipment which could include the provision of defibrillators.

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides funding to community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a focus on areas of disadvantage. Typical projects funded can include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, disability access projects and purchase of equipment. The purchase of defibrillators has been facilitated under the fund in previous years. The 2024 LEP is now closed and the successful projects can be viewed on the Departments website. The next iteration of the LEP will be considered within the context of the budgetary estimates process later in the year.

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.

The CLÁR programme is a targeted investment programme that provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that experience disadvantage and significant levels of de-population. Defibrillators may be funded as part of a larger community project.

The purchase of a defibrillator may also form part of a much larger community project under schemes such as the Community Recognition Fund.

Details of all of my Department's schemes are available on my Department's website.