Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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654. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next community support fund will open for applications; the costs this funding will support; if other funds due to open or are currently open for applications by community groups that will support running costs such as energy costs, rent, lease and insurance costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40092/24]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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In November 2022, I announced the Community Support Fund (CSF), with funding of €10 million. The once-off fund was allocated under my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP), designed to assist community groups across the country, in light of rising energy costs at the time.

In December 2023, I was delighted to launch the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which replaced my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme, with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. The overall €6 million LEP included a special ring-fenced capital fund of €1 million to provide support for Women’s Groups.

There was a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding could be used, but was not limited to improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.

The LEP was administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The LEP 2024 is now closed to applicants and details of successful groups are available at www.gov.ie/DRCD.

Details of any future iterations of the Local Enhancement Programme, including the allocations available have not yet been confirmed. I would encourage all groups to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.

I look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful supports like the LEP to local communities as we support them to respond to the challenges they face.