€273,000 for community groups affected by Covid-19
Westmeath is to receive €273,141 from a €9 million fund to support community groups affected by Covid-19.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, announced the fund this morning.
The Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with running costs such as utility or insurance bills, and improvements to facilities.
Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signs, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.
The one-off fund will be allocated under the department’s Community Enhancement Programme and will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).
Minister Humphreys said: “This funding is about giving a helping hand to groups and clubs that have continued to serve their community during Covid-19.
“These grants may be small, but they help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls. I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
“Supporting communities to shape their future is a key focus of the government’s new rural development policy, Our Rural Future. The funding will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit.”
Minister O’Brien said that the last year has shown the importance of a vibrant community and voluntary sector. “The efforts of local community groups and volunteers throughout the pandemic has been immense and this funding will help to provide practical support to smaller community groups and facilities at a grassroots level across the country.
“I hope that this will continue to help foster and grow the community spirit that is so evident across Ireland.”
In order to allow flexibility, the department is not setting a national closing date, but will allow each LCDC to set its own, to best suit its area.
The department will require that all closing dates are no later than 28 February 2022. Groups should check with their LCDC for further details.