Community Service Programme call with additional strand for Traveller Circular Economy projects
Minister Joe O’Brien announces Community Service Programme call with additional strand for Traveller Circular Economy projects
Call for applications under Community Services Programme (CSP)
Specific emphasis on Traveller Circular Economy proposals
Workshops to assist organisations applying for scheme
Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD has today (Monday 6th March) announced a new Call for Applications under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The CSP currently supports over 420 community-based organisations, including several based in Fingal.
Announcing the new call at Recycle IT in Clondalkin today, the Minister said:
“I am delighted to launch a new Call for Applications under the Community Services Programme. The purpose of this funding is to support social enterprises and community/voluntary organisations with an additional strand focusing on circular economy projects that are either Traveller led or ones that will primarily employ members of the Traveller community.”
There are some excellent circular economy social enterprises that are owned or run by Travellers and are providing employment opportunities for Travellers while at the same time making a huge contribution to the circular economy and environment. This call aims to support growth in this area along with other community services in disadvantaged areas around the country.
Funding of €1 million will be available for this new call in 2023 which will provide new organisations with an opportunity to access support to employ additional staff in line with the programme’s re-defined sub-programmes and new vision, which were approved in 2022.
Pre-application support workshops will be rolled out to ensure organisations are fully equipped with the information that they need to apply for this funding. As a first step, an Information Event will be held for organisations interested in applying for the programme on week beginning 20th March 2023. Details will be shared on the Pobal CSP webpage and on the Department of Rural and Community Development social media channels. Organisations in Fingal that wish to be notified about the workshops should contact csp@pobal.ie.
Following the pre-application supports, organisations will be invited to submit a short concept note to Pobal outlining their proposal for assessment against the objectives of the call and organisations will then be informed whether their proposal fits with the call.
Groups in Fingal that have been supported by the CSP in previous years include Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, Donabate Portrane Community Centre, Vantastic in Swords and Musicantia in Balbriggan.
Minister O’Brien concluded:
“The CSP supports a range of services, facilities and activities that enhance the quality of life for specific disadvantaged groups within our communities.
“This open call will be essential in broadening the range of services available and bringing new organisations onto the programme.
“I am delighted to say that we will also have a range of support workshops to assist those organisations in applying to the CSP Programme.’’