2522. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider increasing financial support to an organisation (details supplied); the level of funding provided to the organisation under his Department’s schemes in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43397/26]

My Department is fully committed to supporting a wide range of organisations, including Women’s Groups such as the one referenced in the information supplied by the Deputy, in the valuable work they do.

There is no funding stream specific to the organisation referenced by the Deputy, however, my Department provides funding to individual Women’s Groups under various funding supports, including:

Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)

The Local Enhancement Programme for 2026  was announced on 5 December 2025 and provided €7 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is now closed, however, my Department is currently considering a Local Enhancement Programme for 2027.

In the past three years, over €90,000 has been allocated under the Local Enhancement Programme to over 80 local projects connected with the organisation referenced by the Deputy.

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)

This programme primarily funds current expenditure, however small-scale grants are available to assist Local Community Groups and Networks to purchase small capital items (laptops, phones etc.) that will improve and enhance the function of the group and its work.

To date SICAP provided support to 21 branches of the organisation referenced by the Deputy, under the SICAP 2024–2028 programme. Of these, 10 received grant funding totalling €7,464 in the past 3 years.

LEADER Programme

This programme provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes and has for many years supported community groups and voluntary organisations to deliver local-led projects. It operates in all areas of Ireland, with the exception of the five main cities.

Prospective applicants, including the organisation referenced by the Deputy, should in the first instance contact their Local Action Group through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. Contact details are available on Gov.ie/LEADER. No funding has been provided in the past 3 years by this programme to the organisation referenced by the Deputy.

Community Recognition Fund (CRF)

This Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland from Ukraine and other countries. Under the fund a total of €100 million has been provided to local authorities to support community-based projects nationwide.

Over 1,460 projects have been awarded funding under the CRF benefiting communities around the country.  A significant number of projects approved under the CRF are now complete and the emphasis is now to ensure that all projects are delivered throughout 2026 so that communities can benefit from this investment. The fund is now closed to applications.

A total of €2,464 was provided to one branch of the organisation referenced by the Deputy, in the past 3 years.

I would encourage all community organisations, and indeed Women’s Groups, including the organisation referenced by the Deputy, to check my Department’s website [www.gov.ie/drcdg], and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPNs), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.