Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, this week announced that he has allocated €64,546 in funding under his Department’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP ) to support the work of community groups in Mayo.
The Community Enhancement Programme provides capital grants in order to provide a flexible and targeted approach to funding those communities most in need, while reducing the level of administration involved. Following the allocation by Minister Ring, the CEP will be administered by Mayo Local Community Development Committees (LCDC ).
Minister Ring said: "This funding will bring a range of benefits to all areas of communities in Mayo, such as childcare groups, playgrounds, recreational groups, sports grounds, landscaping, and the elderly.
"Typical enhancements under the programme could include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces, and the purchase of equipment which is used to benefit the community.
"The funding has been allocated in a way that takes deprivation levels into account and I am confident that those communities who need it most, whether in towns or rural areas, will benefit."
Examples of the types of projects previously supported in Mayo through the CEP include: Installation of a CCTV system for Westport GAA Club (€3,225 ); Upgrade to old machinery in Kilitmagh Men's Shed (€9,800 ); New outdoor garden at Mulranny Day Centre (€3,225 ); IT Equipment for Ballina Arts Centre (€20,000 ),
Minister Ring continued: "The CEP provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing lawnmowers and IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs and therefore it also provides some funding towards larger projects where needed.
"We depend hugely on these community groups and I hope that this funding will help them to continue the important work that they complete within our society. I urge communities to familiarise themselves with the CEP and to apply for funding if they feel that it can be of local benefit.
"Mayo LCDC will have flexibility to use some or all of this funding for Covid-19 related expenditure by community groups, where this is a priority in individual local authority areas. This is in addition to other funding announced recently by my Department, such as the €2.5m Covid-19 Emergency fund and the €35m Stability Fund."
The CEP will be administered locally by Mayo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC ). Details on how to apply will be available from the LCDC shortly. In order to allow flexibility, the Department is not setting a closing date, but will allow Mayo LCDC to set its own. The Department will require that the closing date is no later than September 30 2020. Community groups should check with Mayo LCDC for further details.
