Fingal LCDC invites groups to apply for a share of funding for community centres and community buildings

This new fund totalling €192,805 seeks to stimulate local economies by providing capital grants towards the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of community centres and community buildings, and adaptations and equipment needed as a result of COVID-19 may also be included. Similar expenditure on other community-based facilities will also be allowed.

The scheme from the Department of Rural & Community Development operates under the existing CEP rules and creates an added opportunity for active community groups to access funding for the upgrade of their facilities. The funding is targeted at measures that stimulate local economies, while enhancing community facilities for use by individuals and communities.

The programme can fund or partially fund larger-scale capital projects to address disadvantage. 30% of available funds have been ring-fenced to provide small capital grants of €1,000 or less. It is envisaged that the remainder of the allocation will fund projects up to €10,000.

The funding covers capital projects only. In cases where both current and capital works are carried out together, only the capital element can be funded through this Programme.  

The following provides a non-exhaustive list of example capital projects that could receive funding under the programme:

• Development/renovation of community centres
• Once off maintenance of premises, not including regular routine maintenance
• Community amenities
• Development of youth clubs or facilities
• Development of sports/recreation facilities
• Improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces
• CCTV equipment
• Public realm improvements
• Streetscaping
• Development of play/recreation spaces
• Energy efficiency type projects
• Purchase of equipment
• Adaptations or equipment needed as a result of Covid-19

Speaking in relation to the Community Enhancement Programme, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. David Healy said: “The CEP Schemes provide vital support to community groups in Fingal to help them improve their facilities. Fingal County Council offers this support due to our awareness of the central role community groups play in the wellbeing of communities across the County. This scheme provides funding for projects up to €10,000 so should be considered by local groups with facilities to help deliver improvements in their own local areas.”

Commenting on the announcement, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “Fingal County Council really values the work of our community groups and I hope that this additional funding will help them to continue the important work that they carry out within our county.  I urge communities to familiarise themselves with the CEP and to apply for funding if they feel that it can be of local benefit.”

Emer O’Gorman, Fingal County Council’s Director of Service for Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development welcomed the announcement saying “This investment in our local economy and communities is to be welcomed. This additional funding compliments other initiatives being undertaken by the Council at present in helping to stimulate local development activity at present.”   

Declan Ryan, Chief Officer of the Fingal Local Community Development Committee added: “The CEP Scheme has proved very popular in Fingal in recent years with substantial funding approved to Community Groups throughout the County. While the regular CEP Scheme has just closed to applications, this new Scheme targeting support for Community Centres and Community Facilities gives the Fingal LCDC an opportunity to provide larger amounts of funding to established community groups, particularly for COVID-19 related expenditure.”

The online application form and guidelines are available at https://fingalcoco.submit.com/show/9 and any enquiries should be directed to [email protected]

Closing date for receipt of completed online applications is 4pm Friday 25th September 2020.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.