Fingal County Council and the Fingal Local Community Development Committee have announced details of the 2020 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP).

The Community Enhancement Programme provides small grants to enhance facilities in urban and rural communities. The CEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with Fingal allocated €68,375 in grant funding towards enhancing the facilities available to communities. The Programme has a focus on supporting groups in areas of disadvantage.

Typical enhancements under the Programme include the renovation of community centres and community amenities, improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces, and the purchase of equipment for community usage. The Programme has also supported energy efficient upgrades, development of community gardens, provision of defibrillators, CCTV, and sports and IT equipment.

The CEP is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. Since it was first launched in 2018, the CEP has funded over 5,000 projects in urban and rural communities throughout Ireland.

Applications are now sought from community and voluntary groups in Fingal for grants up to a maximum of €2,500, with a closing date for applications of noon on August 21, 2020.

Speaking in relation to the Community Enhancement Programme, Mayor David Healy said: “The CEP provides vital support to community groups in Fingal to help them improve their facilities. Fingal County Council offers this support due to our awareness of the central role community groups play in the wellbeing of communities across the County. The scheme provides small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing lawnmowers and IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. The Programme responds to local needs and is there to help local groups deliver improvements in their own local areas.”

Commenting on the announcement, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “Fingal County Council really values the work of our community groups and I hope that this funding will help them to continue the important work that they carry out within our county. I urge communities to familiarise themselves with the CEP and to apply for funding if they feel that it can be of local benefit.”

Declan Ryan, Chief Officer of the Fingal Local Community Development Committee added: “The CEP Scheme has proved very popular in Fingal in recent years with substantial funding approved to community groups throughout the County. While the CEP will be similar to last year, the LCDC in each area has also been given the flexibility to use some of this funding for COVID-19 related expenditure by community groups, where demonstrated priorities are identified.”

Details on how to apply are available click here for more info.