LATEST: Tipperary TD Michael Lowry welcomes €1,000 grant for community employment schemes

Independent TD Michael Lowry has welcomed a new round of funding for Community Employment schemes, following confirmation that each sponsor organisation will receive a once-off grant of €1,000 to help meet rising materials costs.

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The funding, announced by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, will be made available to all Community Employment sponsors across the State.

It comes amid growing financial pressure on community and voluntary organisations, many of which are struggling with higher day-to-day costs.

Deputy Lowry said the measure would provide practical assistance to schemes that deliver essential services at local level.

“I very much welcome Minister Calleary’s decision to provide an additional €1,000 grant to Community Employment sponsor organisations. CE schemes play an absolutely vital role in communities right across the country, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas, and this extra funding will be of real practical benefit on the ground.”

Community Employment schemes support a wide range of activities, including childcare services, meals on wheels, tidy towns projects and the maintenance of local amenities. They also offer participants access to training, work experience and a route back into the labour market.

“Community Employment not only provides invaluable services such as childcare supports, meals on wheels, tidy towns initiatives and the upkeep of local amenities, but it also offers participants meaningful work experience, training and a pathway back into the workforce. The contribution made by CE participants and sponsors alike cannot be overstated.”

There are more than 800 Community Employment schemes in operation nationwide, supporting close to 20,000 participants. Deputy Lowry described the programme as a central pillar of community development and social inclusion.

“With rising costs impacting community groups everywhere, this additional support is both timely and necessary,” he added. “It demonstrates a clear recognition by Government of the pressures facing CE sponsors and of the importance of sustaining the essential services they provide.

“I will continue to support measures that strengthen Community Employment schemes and ensure they have the resources required to serve both participants and the wider community effectively.”

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