Cabinet agrees transfer of Community Services Programme to Department of Rural and Community Development
- Published on: 13 December 2017
- Last updated on: 11 December 2018
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, has announced that the The Community Services Programme (CSP) has been transferred from the welfare.ie Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to the Department of Rural and Community Development. The transfer of the programme was agreed by cabinet today (Tuesday).
The CSP, with a budget of €46.2 million, supports community businesses that deliver services and create employment for people from disadvantaged groups. Not-for-profit organisations are funded under the programme and recruit unemployed people to work in the projects.
Minister Ring said:
“As a programme that is so firmly community focused I believe the CSP is a natural fit for the Department of Rural and Community Development.
“It provides services in communities where public and private sector services are lacking or where the demand for services cannot be met.
“It means that geographically or socially isolated communities get services they need, while offering real employment opportunities locally.
“The programme aligns really strongly with my mandate. It is aligned with the [internal-link 3318 | Realising Our Rural Potential - Action Plan for Rural Development ] and the [internal-link 3578 | Framework Policy for Local Community Development in Ireland ] – supporting sustainable communities by enhancing local service provision and supporting enterprise and employment – creating local jobs."
The CSP works on a social-enterprise model and funds projects such as the management of community halls and facilities; the delivery of community services (for example, home insulation; disability transport; meals-on-wheels); and community enterprises providing employment for marginalised groups, such as Travellers and people with disabilities.
ENDS