Joe O'Brien - Green Party Joe O'Brien - Green Party

Minister Joe O’Brien announces increased funding for four community-based organisations in Fingal

30th January, 2023

  • Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, Donabate Portrane Community Centre, Vantastic in Swords and Musicantia in Balbriggan set to benefit
  • New call for applications under the CSP set to be announced shortly 

Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, has today, (Monday, 30th January), announced that Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, Donabate Portrane Community Centre, Vantastic in Swords and Musicantia in Balbriggan will receive additional funding under the Community Services Programme.

The Community Services Programme is an initiative designed to support community-based businesses, social enterprises and organisations that provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people.

In a further enhancement of the programme, organisations in Fingal may draw down a full contribution based on 37.5 hours per week per worker, rather than 39 hours, as was previously the case.

The new funding rate allocation model will see the Department’s support for the programme rise by more than €5 million, to almost €49 million.

An increase of €4,000 for both full-time positions and a manager will be provided for organisations considered to have a ‘high funding need’.

For organisations considered to have a ‘medium funding need’ there will be a €2,000 increase per full-time position and manager provided.

Minister of State Joe O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to say that four organisations in Final have received increased funding from my Department.”

“This increased funding will help alleviate the financial challenges faced by Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, Vantastic, Donabate Portrane Community Centre and Musicantia.

Minister O’Brien added that a new call for applications under the CSP will be announced shortly:

“I am very pleased to be able to open the programme for new applications. We are currently finalising the arrangements and further details will issue shortly. My Department will also contact all organisations in Fingal that have expressed an interest in applying under this new call.”

Welcoming the funding for the two Balbriggan based organisations, local Councillor, Karen Power said:

“Balbriggan Meals on Wheels and Musicantia carry out amazing work in the community of Balbriggan so I am particularly pleased to see that the funding for both organisations has been increased under this scheme.

Cllr Ian Carey, Swords said:

Vantastic here in Swords provide accessible transport, a vital service for people with permanent or temporary mobility difficulties, physical & sensory disabilities and not for profit organisations so the increase in funding for the organisation is really welcome.”

“Green Party Rep for Donabate Suzanne Young also welcomed the increase in funding for services in her area:

“The Donabate Portrane Community Centre is the heart of our community here. The centre provides fully accessible activities for all and a community pre-school. The funding increase recognises the important role the centre plans in our community.