Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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537. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on an urgent application to the Community Services Programme for a facility (details supplied). [27264/24]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model, providing a contribution towards the cost of CSP supported staff in organisations.

I am aware that the organisation in question is currently in receipt of CSP supports for a Manager and two full time equivalent (FTE) positions at the medium rate of funding, resulting in a current annual contract value of €81,350.

An application window for funding for additional staff posts to existing CSP funded organisations was opened on September 1st with a closing date of 29th September 2023.

Pobal, who manage and administer the programme on behalf of my Department, received a huge volume of applications. These were assessed by Pobal and their recommendations were submitted to my Department for consideration.

I announced the successful applications on 18th June, approving €1 million in funding to support a further seven manager positions and thirty five FTE positions in 32 CSP supported organisations.

I am aware that the organisation in question had submitted a request seeking additional funding towards the cost of one additional full time equivalent post. However, due to the volume of applications received, not all organisations that applied were successful. That said, the organisation is on a waitlist for support, should additional funding become available. Pobal will notify all applicants on the outcome of their application.

In the interim, if the organisation in question currently requires immediate support they should consider contacting their Local Development Company, Local Authority or Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), who may be able to provide some guidance on other supports available at this time. Their Local Intreo Office may be able to assist with the possibility of further additional staff resources for activation programmes such as Community Employment or Tús.