Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
556. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if funding will be provided in respect of the provision of services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5373/26]
View answerMy department offers a suite of programmes to support rural communities, some of which are available to the organisations referenced by the Deputy. The CLAR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. Under the CLAR programme, organisations such as those referenced by the Deputy could apply for funding under measure 2 of the programme in recent years which supports the purchase of vehicles by groups such as community first responders and meals on wheels organisations . The measures for inclusion in the scheme are reviewed and revised each year. The next iteration of the scheme is currently under review and it is expected to be launched in the coming months. Details in respect of the activities that will be eligible for funding will be confirmed at that stage. The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) supports communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) of the relevant local authority. It provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. It operates in a complementary manner to add value to other front-line schemes and programmes being operated in communities. My department has supported the work of the organisations referred to by the Deputy by providing funding for defibrillators, first aid equipment and safety equipment under previous iterations of the Local Enhancement Programme.The Local Enhancement Programme for 2026 was announced on 5 December 2025 and provides €7 million in capital supports. The fund is administered locally on behalf of the Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. Each LCDC identifies the individual projects for funding under the Programme and I would encourage all community and voluntary organisations to check their local council's website and to engage with their LCDC to ensure that they are aware of the application process.
