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______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 25/05/2021
Question Number(s): 9 Question Reference(s): 27985/21
Department: Rural and Community Development
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION


To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports provided by her Department for the maintenance and enhancement of community facilities; the way in which local community groups may access this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

A range of my Departments programmes contribute to the enhancement of community facilities, they include:

€4.5 million 2021 Community Enhancement Programme: Launched on 10th May, the programme provides grants to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas and is administered by Local Community Development Committees in each Local Authority area.  
€49 million Community Services Programme (CSP): In 2021 CSP supports 420 community organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme: Projects support and rejuvenate rural towns and villages including public-realm projects, remote working hubs, town centre enhancements, encouraging town centre living, and addressing vacancy and dereliction.  
Connected Hubs Fund (€5 million) will expand existing hub facilities, providing additional hot desks, office spaces and meeting rooms for remote working , install electric car charging points, upgrade disability access and improve IT facilities located within hubs or Broadband Connection Points (BCPs).
The Dormant Accounts Fund: Provides funding for community initiatives and supports, including support for Social Enterprises.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme: provides fundingfor the development and/or enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
The 2021 CLÁR programme is providing support for Schools/Community Safety Measures, Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities, Community Gardens & Allotments, Mobility and Cancer Care Transport.
€250 million LEADER Programme: Grant aid is available to rural communities and businesses for projects focused on economic and enterprise development, job creation, social inclusion and supporting the rural environment.


All schemes are open to applications from eligible groups during the application timeframes set for each scheme or programme. Further information at gov.ie