Media Release: Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce €7 million “DRCD Local Enhancement Programme 2025”

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce new €7 million “Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2025”

·      €7 million fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country, including Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds

·      €1 million available to aid with energy and running costs

·      Local Enhancement Programme to focus on disadvantaged areas

·      Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have today (Thursday, 7^th November 2024) announced €7 million in funding under the “Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2025”.

This funding will consist of €6 million in capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.

There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.

A further €1 million in current funding is available for Community Groups, including Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds, to assist with their energy and running costs, to help them continue their important work within the community.

The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, so as to improve and enhance community facilities for all. All funding will be available to a diverse range of community groups including but not limited to Men’s and Women’s sheds/groups, community centres, parish halls and local voluntary groups.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am delighted to once again be in a position to provide this funding for communities around the country”

“Although small in nature, these grants provide a lifeline to many small but vital community groups. I have been privileged to visit many of these groups over the last number of years and have seen first-hand the fantastic work they do and how important these grants are for them and the communities they serve.”

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future. The funding I am announcing today will benefit every single county and ensure that important small scale, ground-up projects can be delivered by local communities for local communities.”

“I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) that administers the fund in their area.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“I am also delighted to announce that I have reserved €1 million of this fund to support Community Groups, including Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds, with their energy and running costs.”

“This is in recognition of the increased costs associated with running small community facilities and organisations.

“So today, my message to any community/voluntary group out there is think how you could use this funding to enhance and support your group and contact your local LCDC for further details.”

Also announcing the funding today, Minister O’Brien said:

“Once again, this Local Enhancement Programme funding will provide practical support to community groups at a grassroots level to help them to ensure that they can improve and enhance their facilities and equipment which they need to support their communities”.

” Thousands of community organisations, including clubs, youth centres and parish halls, will benefit from this funding ensuring they can continue to provide their valuable services to the people in their areas.”

“I am particularly happy to have reserved funding for community groups to help towards their energy and running costs. It is important for these groups to be able to keep their facilities and groups open and available to their communities.  Providing a safe space for attendees to visit and meet peers, chat and work though issues while also helping their community as a whole.”

Funding allocation for each local authority area