Over €72k awarded to aid local community groups
By Aideen O'Flaherty
FUNDING of over €72,000 has been awarded to local community groups under the government’s Community Services Programme Support Fund, in order to assist community organisations that are participants in the Community Services Programme and are struggling to meet the new increased minimum wage levels for their staff.
Four Ballyfermot community organisations have secured funding from the fund, namely €8,250 for Ballyfermot Civic Centre, €6,600 for the Cherry Orchard Equine Centre, €1,100 for the Ballyfermot Community Association and €6,600 for the Cherry Orchard-based Saint Ultan’s Childcare Project.
The Shanty Education Project at An Cosan was awarded €16,500
Staff from three Tallaght community organisations will also benefit from funding, with The Shanty Education Project, better known as An Cosán, being awarded €16,500, Kingswood Community and Leisure Centre has secured €2,750 in funding, while Dominic’s Community Centre will get €2,200.
Clondalkin community services that have been awarded funding include Quarryvale Community Resource Centre, which has secured €2,200, and Bawnogue Youth and Community Centre which will also receive €2,200.
The Lucan Disability Action Group has secured €9,350, and Lucan-based radio station Liffey Sound Communications Co-Operative Society Limited will get €1,100.
The Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability, better known as WALK, has secured €3,300 in funding, while the Inchicore-based Energy Action Company will receive €4,400.
Whitechurch Community and Youth Centre will get €2,200 and Ballyroan Community and Youth Centre will receive €3,300.
The funding has been approved by the Department of Rural and Community Development, with Minister Michael Ring commenting: “I’m delighted that the Government has decided to increase the national minimum wage once again.
“The Fund will greatly assist organisations that are struggling to meet the minimum wage levels. I have increased the contribution per full-time equivalent from €350 to €1,100.
“I have to commend the management and staff of the organisations supported through the Community Services Programme.
“They are carrying out invaluable work in their local communities.”
