Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
205. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if there is funding available for the upkeep of defibrillators in rural communities to support communities in ensuring these life saving devices are kept up to date and therefore, effective in an emergency situation; and if not, can a funding stream be examined. [69006/26]
View answerWhile my Department does not currently operate a dedicated funding stream specifically for the maintenance, repair or servicing of defibrillators, it does provides a range of rural and community investment supports, some of which can be used to support the purchase of equipment such as defibrillators.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small-scale capital and current funding to support community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a particular focus on areas of disadvantage. The programme has supported projects involving the upkeep of defibrillators in previous years. The LEP 2026 is now closed to applications, and my Department is currently considering the arrangements for a Local Enhancement Programme for 2027.
Under the LEADER Programme, community groups can receive funding support for the purchase of defibrillators and training costs associated with their use. Ongoing maintenance and servicing costs for defibrillators are not generally eligible under the programme. Any group that wishes to apply for LEADER funding should contact their nearest Local Action Group, contact details for Local Action Groups are available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/drcdg.
The CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme that provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. The purchase of defibrillators may be supported as part of a larger community project under CLÁR; however, ongoing maintenance and servicing costs are not eligible.
Community and voluntary organisations are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and Local Development Companies regarding available funding opportunities, and to regularly check my Department's website for details of forthcoming schemes and calls for applications.
Details of all of my Department's schemes are available on my Department's website at gov.ie/drcdg.
