Community Employment: Project Eligibility

A project is a work programme that a group or organisation wishes to undertake. A good project will have a plan of action with specific outcomes, and a specific period in which those outcomes will be achieved. The Department of Social Protection is interested in approving projects which may last from 1 to 3 years; support will always be conditional upon annual review and the availability of funds.

Projects which are eligible are those which:

• respond to an identified community need
• provide development for participants in areas involving heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport and the environment
• have the agreement of relevant trade unions
• do not displace or replace existing jobs
• offer valuable work experience for participants

Projects which are not eligible are those which:

• are politically or commercially orientated
• involve a substantial trading element
• enhance private property
• result in private gain

Department staff can advise sponsors further on eligibility.