Significant funding for Kilkenny community groups

Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, has today, (Monday,  January 30), announced that almost 400 community organisations will receive additional funding under the Community Services Programme, including over €600,000 for Kilkenny groups.

Deputy John McGuinness welcomed the funding locally. Organisations included are Gowran Parish Enterprises Group Company Limited by Guarantee Kilkenny  (€151,165), Kilkenny Community Communications Co-Operative Society Limited Kilkenny (€97,099), St Canice's Community Action Company Limited by Guarantee Kilkenny (€84,132,00), Castlecomer Demense Company (€118,132), Barrow Valley Community Development Limited (€55,033), Danesfort Community Care Centre Company Limited by Guarantee, Kilkenny €21,033 and Windgap Community Development Company Limited by Guarantee (€89,099).

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The Community Services Programme is an initiative designed to support community-based businesses, social enterprises and organisations that provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people.

 Today’s announcement sets out the awarding and issuing of new contracts with revised funding rates under the Programme.

Almost 400 of these organisations will receive additional funding under these new contracts.

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.

Minister of State Joe O’Brien said: “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.”

“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.”

Minister O’Brien added that a new call for applications under the CSP will be announced shortly:

“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.”