Funding Secured For Disadvantaged Communities Projects

Funding has been secured for a government programme aimed at support projects to benefits disadvantaged communities across Ireland.

Some 3,000 projects have been allocated funding under the Department for Rural and Community Development's Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The Department's Minister, Michael Ring, has allocated €12.5 million under the Programme in 2018 and is today announcing the details of the more than 3,000 projects which have received support through this funding.

CEP provides capital grants to community groups and is targeted towards enhancing facilities in disadvantaged communities. It supports a range of investment in all areas of communities, such as childcare groups, playgrounds, recreational groups, sports grounds, landscaping, and supporting the elderly.

Examples of projects supported include:

• €11,000 for BallymunChild and Family Resource Centre to upgrade garden and children's play area

• €5,000 for Cork City Community First Responders to purchase defibrillators

• €2,000 to repair roof of Men's Shed in Southill, Limerick

• €7,500 to resurface car park in ClonguishGAA Club, Co Longford

Minister Ring said: "Having allocated over €12.5 million under the Community Enhancement Programme in 2018, I am delighted to be able to announce the more than 3,000 projects which are set to benefit from it.

"A relatively small amount of money can go a long way and this investment will greatly benefit local community projects throughout the country.

"Typical enhancements under the Programme could include the renovation of community centres and community amenities, improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces and the purchase of equipment which is used to benefit the community.

"The Programme has also supported energy efficient upgrades, developing community gardens, provision of defibrillators, CCTV, and sports and IT equipment.

"The funding has been allocated in a way that means that those communities who need it most, whether in cities, towns or rural areas, will benefit."

The application process for the CEP is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. There was an open application process when the CEP was originally launched in May.

(MH/CM)