Community groups across Limerick get almost €2m

ALMOST two million euro worth of funding has been allocated to twenty different community organisations across Limerick as part of the Community Services Programme (CSP).

Among the Limerick-based organisations which will share €1.8m in funding, the five highest allocations were to Limerick Youth Service (€174,198); The Desmond Ability Resource Complex, Newcastle West (€151,165); Dromcollogher And District Respite Care Centre (€149,681.50); St. Munchin's Community Centre, Kileely, Limerick city (€128,132) and Croom Community Development Association (€118,132).

The initiative is designed to support community-based businesses and social enterprises that provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people

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It also typically supports organisations to meet local service gaps and provide access to services and facilities that would otherwise generally be unavailable.

Funding is provided to not-for-profit social enterprises or community organisations to help with the cost of hiring an agreed number of workers and a manager. Under the programme, which is administered by Pobál, a contribution of €19,033 is provided towards each full-time position and €32,000 per manager.

Commenting on the funding, Minister of State Joe O’Brien highlighted the advantages it will bring to local communities. “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,” he said.

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