Over 110,000 individuals and 5,000 local community groups supported in deprived and marginalised communities across the country
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Minister Ring welcomes report detailing supports provided to reduce poverty and increase social inclusion and equality
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) End of Programme Report 2015-2017
Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has welcomed the publication of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015 -2017 End of Programme Report, which outlines the investment by the Government to tackle disadvantage in Ireland over the almost three-year period.
The report shows that, during the lifecycle of the programme, SICAP supported 110,044 individuals on a one-to-one basis and 5,028 Local Community Groups (LCGs). Administered by Pobal, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), distributed €100,117,865 to support the most disadvantaged individuals and communities in Ireland during the period 1 April 2015 – 31 December 2017.
SICAP, which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. The programme is administered locally by Community Development Committees (LCDCs) and supports on the ground are delivered by Local Development Companies.
Key findings of the report show that between 2015 and 2017:
Minister Ring said:
“The key achievements of the SICAP Programme 2015-2017 once again demonstrate the Government’s commitment to tackle poverty and social exclusion in the most disadvantaged areas and the importance of collaborative approaches with external agencies and bodies to ensure the needs of the most marginalised people are met.
“Last April, I announced SICAP funding of €190 million over the next five years. SICAP has a strong track record of helping disadvantaged people get the supports they need to make progress in their lives as evidenced in this report. I recently met with people who are participating in SICAP supported programmes in Southill in Limerick and the positive impact on their lives was clear to see.”
Denis Leamy, CEO of Pobal, said:
“The report on SICAP 2015-2017, produced by the Pobal Monitoring and Analysis Unit, provides us with key insights and learnings that will inform the ongoing development of the new SICAP 2018-2022 programme. The achievements of the programme to date are evidence of the importance of a ‘bottom up community development approach’ in order to address social exclusion, recognising the challenges of engaging with hard to reach communities. I welcome the publication of this report and want to commend all those who have worked so hard to deliver SICAP 2015-2017.”
The full Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015 -2017 End of Programme Report can be found on the Department’s website: DRCD
ENDS