Clare County Council and the Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) are inviting applications for a programme which provides funding to communities in Ireland.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Mr. Michael Ring TD, has this week announced the launch of the 2019 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) with initial funding of €4.5 million.
The Community Enhancement Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and will provide grant funding in 2019 towards enhancing the facilities available to communities. The programme, now in its second year, has a focus on supporting groups in disadvantaged areas.
The CEP was launched for the first time in 2018 and funded 26 projects across County Clare. Funding under this year’s programme will be aimed at addressing disadvantage as identified in the Clare Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). The fund for Clare in 2019 will be €139,257 and will be managed by the Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
Minister Ring said: “This new Programme 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 also provides funding towards larger projects”.
The Minister added, “These investments allow community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country. The impact of the Community Enhancement Programme is considerable. Typical enhancements under the programme could include the purchase of equipment or materials, improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces, CCTV equipment and energy efficiency type projects.”
Further details are available from the Rural Development Department at Clare County Council or online at here.