Over €200,000 in grants allocated to fund local community projects

Community groups across Dublin have been allocated funding for projects as they reopen under the Government’s 2021 Community Enhancement Programme.

The 2021 Community Enhancement Programme was launched in May this year, with funding of €4.5m to provide small grants to local community groups across the country.

The Dublin City Council area received an allocated of over €211,525 from the Department under the programme to support the groups as they re-open facilities which have been closed due to Covid-19.

The programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by local community development committees with support from their local authority in each area.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD said that the funding is an “important tool” in helping the groups, especially given the impact that Covid-19 has had on them.

He said: “The Community Enhancement Programme provides a range of invaluable small grants to help the smaller community groups and facilities that support for communities at a grassroots level.

“I want to congratulate the successful projects and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities.”

Some of the 15 groups to receive funding include Cherry Orchard Equine Centre CLG, which received a total of €8,980 under the funding scheme, The Bluebell Men’s Shed, which received €26,099, and Our Lady’s Hall Management Committee in Drimnagh, which received €8,342.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: “I am delighted to announce funding for 15 local projects in the Dublin City Council area today as part of my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme.

“I want to support locally led, ground-up projects in local communities across the country. While these grants are small in nature, they can make a big difference by allowing local community organisations to carry out much needed works in their area.”