€1.6million in funding set for Wicklow community groups
Wicklow community-based organisations which provide local services will benefit from funding
Festina Lente’s miniature shetland ponies are part of their Mobile Equine Outreach Programme. Photo: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Community organisations across Co Wicklow are to receive more than €1.6m in funding as part of the government’s Community Services Programme (CSP).
Festina Lente, which runs an equestrian learning centre in Bray, has received the largest amount, with €370,528 in funding, while mental health charity The Marian Centre has received €191,747.50.
Other charities to benefit include An Tairseach in Wicklow town (€181,231), Shuttle Knit (€174,198), Living Life Voluntary Counselling Centre (€162,681.50), Old Coolattin (€128,132), Glencree Visitors Centre (€118,132), Glendalough & District Development Association (€118,132), Lakers Social (€105,099), Tinahely Courthouse (€55,033), Glenealy Village Hall (Carnegie Trust) €46,066, and Avoca Community Hall (€23,033).
The CSP is an initiative designed to support community-based businesses, social enterprises and organisations that provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people. In a further enhancement of the programme, organisations may draw down a full contribution based on 37.5 hours per week per worker, rather than 39 hours, as was previously the case.
The new funding-rate allocation model will see the department’s support for the programme rise by more than €5 million, to almost €49 million. An increase of €4,000 for both full-time positions and a manager will be provided for organisations considered to have a ‘high funding need’. For organisations considered to have a ‘medium funding need’ there will be a €2,000 increase per full-time position and manager provided.
There will be no change for the small number of organisations considered to have a low funding need – these are organisations with the strongest earning potential operating in less disadvantaged areas.
“I am delighted to say that 167 organisations will receive the higher rate of funding, 230 organisations will receive the middle rate of funding, with just 23 organisations continuing with their existing amount of funding,” said Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien.
“This increased funding will help alleviate the financial challenges faced by community organisations with limited earning potential, operating in areas of disadvantage and providing employment. I am very pleased to be able to open the programme for new applications. We are currently finalising the arrangements and further details will issue shortly. My Department will also contact all organisations that have expressed an interest in applying under this new call.”