Cork based social enterprises are set to receive €132,235 from the Dormant Accounts Fund, according to North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea.
Cllr. O’Shea said: “My colleague Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has informed me about the Government’s allocation of €2 million in funding to 52 social enterprise projects across the country. This funding comes from the Government’s Dormant Accounts Fund. I am delighted to confirm that four social enterprises here in Cork are going to receive €132,235 between them.
“The social enterprises to receive funding are:
Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership – Purchase of van for Community Connect Handyman Programme
Duhallow Community Food Services – Purchase of Equipment
Cope Foundation – Introduction of pet therapy & additional recreational and sports services for clients
West Cork Development Partnership – Purchase of vehicles for delivering free energy efficient upgrades to fuel poor homes and provision of a care and repair service
The main aim of the funding is to increase the impact of social enterprises by enhancing their capacity to delivery services and generate traded income through the provision of small capital grants.
Welcoming the funding for these Cork Social Enterprises, Cllr. O’ Shea said “Social enterprises are hugely important in towns and villages across Cork. They drive job creation, deliver essential services, bring social benefits and breathe life into communities. Most importantly, they carry out this work in communities and areas which are most in need, including rural areas which would otherwise struggle to attract mainstream providers in certain sectors.
“This new funding will enable the successful applicants to purchase essential equipment, accessible vehicles and in some cases refurbish their premises, allowing them to provide an improved service to all who depend on them,” Cllr. O’Shea said.
The Department of Rural and Community Development also provides ongoing supports for social enterprises through the Social Enterprise Development Fund launched earlier this year by Social Innovation Fund Ireland, as well as through the SICAP, LEADER and Community Services programmes.
Minister Ring said: “My Department is also at an advanced stage in finalising Ireland’s first National Social Enterprise Policy. I expect to publish a draft of the policy shortly for public consultation, and to publish the final policy early in 2019.”
