Today’s announcement of €1,705,298 for Community Support Programmes across Laois and Offaly is welcome news.
€427,429 was allocated for Community Support Programmes across Laois. Treo Nua Company, Abbeyleix Heritage Company, Laois Community And Enterprise Development Company,
Mountmellick Community Sports Complex Company Limited and
Portarlington Community Centre Company were all awarded funding.
In Offaly €1,277,419 was allocated to fourteen Community Support Programmes including; Kilcormac Development Association, Birr Stage Guild Company, Edenderry Swimming Pool Company, St. Marys Youth Centre, Ballycommon Tele Work and Training Centre, Crinkle Sports and Recreation Centre and Mucklagh Community Development Company.
The mechanism for funding Community Support Programmes changed for 2023 and the new, increased rates are based on a more sustainable model. This model aims to addresses actual needs of organisations, rather than the flat rate payments model that we saw previously. This system will ensure a higher rate of funding, particularly supporting employees in organisations that are operating in areas of high disadvantage, employing individuals from the prescribed programme target group(s) who may have limited earning potential.
These Community Service Programmes provide an invaluable service in many communities right across Laois and Offaly and it is vital that they are facilitated in continuing to do that work. The past number of years have been difficult for these organisations and many remain in financial need. I am delighted that this funding has been made available to continue the vital work of these programmes in 2023.