Over €278,000 in Covid funding for Clare community groups

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  • Disadvantaged areas in particular to benefit
  • Funding to be administered locally

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the allocation of €278,514 in funding for Clare County Council, to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.

The overall €9 million Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.

Funding can also be sought for assistance with necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment; while disadvantaged areas in particular are being focused on.

“It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic has hit most people and groups in the pocket in some way or other, but smaller community groups have been particularly badly hit,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Consecutive lockdowns have left it extremely difficult to have a rainy-day fund and many groups have seen their coffers dry up, as they continue to pay for their rent or bills and so on.

“It is for this reason that the Community Activities Fund is so important and I would strongly encourage all groups that may be eligible to benefit under this fund to express their interest as soon as they possibly can.

“Groups such as men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls, youth centres and community centres are all being targeted.

“I’ve met a number of these groups around the county since my election to Dáil Éireann and I also visit a number of community centres every single month to do my clinics.

“I know how hard it is for these groups, most of whom are ran by dedicated teams of volunteers, to keep their heads above water.

“Yet they have continued to do so and continue to serve their community throughout this difficult period.

“These grants may be small in nature but can help tide a group over and give them a much-needed boost at a time when they are unable to raise money in the more traditional ways.

“I would encourage anybody who is interested in getting some financial support to make contact with Clare County Council’s rural development team as soon as possible.”

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