€1.7 million is being provided by the government to support community and voluntary groups to deal with Covid-19.
The additional investment was confirmed today (Monday, December 7) by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien.
The funding is aimed at enabling groups to “embrace the government’s ‘Keep Well’ campaign, which focuses on the themes of staying connected, switching off, being creative and minding your mood”.
It brings the total funding provided under the Covid-19 Emergency Fund to €4.2 million in 2020.
- Allow for changes to premises to provide for social distancing;
- Funding for online activities;
- Provision of critical social supports.
Announcing the Covid-19 Emergency Fund today (Monday, November 7), Minister Humphreys said:
“Covid-19 has brought the term ‘community’ to the fore. I want the community spirit that we have shown in recent months to remain post-Covid.
“The little things like checking in on a neighbour make such a difference. Our community and voluntary groups have played a crucial role during this pandemic and it’s so important that we support them.
“That’s why I’m delighted we are providing this additional funding to support our community and voluntary groups who are, in turn, assisting significant numbers of vulnerable people to get through this crisis.”
Minister O’Brien added:
2020 has been the most difficult year imaginable. And yet, every step of the way, our community and voluntary groups have gone above and beyond to show their true colours.
“These individual grants will generally be modest in nature, however, it is expected that higher amounts will be provided where the need is greatest.’’
The Department of Rural and Community Development has allocated the €1.7 million in funding to local authority areas, and Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) will now administer the funding to groups in each area.