Over €160,000 will be provided to disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas in Cork County through the new Community Enhancement Programme, as confirmed by North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’ Shea.
Typical enhancements under the Community Enhancement Programme could include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces, CCTV equipment and energy efficiency projects
Cllr. O’ Shea said: “This new scheme will provide funding to our local communities to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. Some of the funding is ring-fenced for smaller projects; from lawnmowers and IT equipment to minor renovations in buildings. It will also provide funding for larger projects and is an important programme for supporting valuable work by Cork communities”.
The Community Enhancement Programme builds on and replaces the Communities Facilities Scheme and the RAPID programme that were launched last year by the Department. The amalgamated scheme has been put in place following consultation with the 33 Local Community Development Committees across the country. An increased level of funding has been provided to each area.
Cllr. O’ Shea added “Fine Gael is committed to ensuring that rural Ireland is supported, so that it can achieve its full potential across a wide-range of areas. The allocated funding is provided to Cork County Council and applications for funding can be made to the Local Community Development Committee, who will decide on projects in a manner consistent with the Local Economic and Community Plan.”
Application forms will be made available in the coming days with the closing date for applications being 5pm on Monday 30th July 2018.
