Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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134. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will consider an initiative to enhance skill building in communities without a community association or centre. [14507/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has a strong focus on building the capacity of organisations within the community and voluntary sector. One of the strategic objectives of the Government's strategy for the community and voluntary sector Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, is to develop the capacity of organisations supporting communities, with a specific focus on marginalised communities. An integrated project working with local authorities and other local stakeholders to improve the engagement of marginalised communities in local planning and decision making, was recently concluded. The project, which was funded under the Dormant Accounts Fund, ran a number of pilots as well as developing resources and toolkits, including a resource guide, 'A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making'. A video to complement the guide was produced and published in November last.

I would also note the importance of the structures that are in place at local authority level to support and co-ordinate community development. The Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) were established with the objective of putting people and communities at the centre of delivery at local government level. A key function of the LCDCs is to prepare the community elements of the 6-year Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). The LECP plans also outline how each local authority plans to foster community development and local involvement in decision-making processes at local level. I encourage all community groups to regularly engage with their LCDC and avail of the supports that are available.

Another initiative under the Government's strategy was the undertaking of a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment, specific to the needs of small community and voluntary organisations, which was completed in October last. I am committed to working with the community sector in building resilience, skills development and capacity among community and voluntary groups and it is my Department’s intention to work with the sector to implement the recommendations of the training needs assessment report in order to meet the identified needs.

In addition, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is our country’s primary social inclusion programme, which aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need. The work of SICAP is of huge importance to communities across Ireland in tackling the issues they face, linking in directly with the agreed objectives of LECPs.

SICAP (2024 - 2028) has a renewed focus on building capacity in community representative structures, establishing new community groups and social enterprises, and empowering communities to lead out on identifying their own needs, through a new dedicated core area of work called Community Animation. The supports are provided by community development workers based on needs identified at a local level. The funding for the programme has increased by €9.8 million over the last 4 years, with annual funding for 2025 now totalling €48.9m.

Further information on the resource guide, the training needs assessment report and all funding schemes is available on my Department's website gov.ie

Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the local enhancement programme will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14378/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Last November, my Department launched the Local Enhancement Programme 2025 (LEP), with funding of €7 million to assist community groups across the country. The LEP is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.

There was 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.

LEP 2025 also included a current funding element to assist community groups with their running and operation costs.

The LEP is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 closed to applications on the 7th March 2025. My officials are currently awaiting the lists of approved projects under the LEP 2025 to be submitted by the LCDCs. I expect to announce details of successful projects in early May and they will be available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/drcd.

Details of any future iterations of the Local Enhancement Programme, including the allocations available, have not yet been confirmed and will be dependent on available resources within my Department.