Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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3478. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to outline the Government’s plans to support communities where levels of deprivation remain high; and if he will outline said plans in respect of Ballymun, Finglas and Kilmore in Dublin. [43588/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is responsible for a range of initiatives aimed at revitalising communities in both rural and urban areas including those mentioned by the deputy.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies to help those in the greatest need. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches.

SICAP offers Local Development Companies the flexibility to target supports to particular groups and respond to emerging issues in their areas. These supports can be tailored locally to best meet the needs of disadvantaged areas and priority target groups on the ground. The programme encourages partnerships between individuals experiencing disadvantage, community organisations, and public sector agencies to address diverse community needs.

SICAP Core funding of approximately €1.88m has been allocated to the Ballymun, Whitehall & Tolka area for 2025, with funding of approximately €1.48m also allocated to Dublin Northside. Additional funding of €71,480 and €157,701 have been allocated to the respective Contract Areas for delivery of services to New Arrivals.

My Department's Empowering Communities Programme was developed in line with Government commitments to expand the Dublin North East Inner-City approach to other areas. It focuses on smaller areas experiencing significant disadvantage, identified using the Pobal HP Deprivation Index. Commencing in 2022, 17 projects are supported under the Empowering Communities Programme, with annual funding totalling €2.3 million. Additional funding of €1 million is available for an expansion of the programme in 2025. There is an ECP programme in Finglas.

My Department has strategic responsibility for the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The 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.

Last month, I announced successful projects under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025. The programme provides small grants to community groups in a manner consistent with each area’s LECP. A total of €7m was available, which included €1 million in current funding to support local groups with ongoing running costs. The fund also provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.

This funding is administered by LCDCs nationally, alongside their Local Authority, with projects in Dublin City receiving in excess of €0.6m.

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government regarding an Urban Communities Initiative, included in the section on Rejuvenating our Capital City Centre, which also refers to the Dublin North East Inner City initiative. However, other suburban areas in Dublin including those mentioned in the deputy’s question would also be suitable for such an initiative. My department is currently examining ways in which this commitment could be delivered in the context of our role in community development in urban areas.