Minister Michael Ring

Over €1.26 million allocated to marginalised communities in Mayo

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, today announced that over €1.26 million will be spent in Mayo through his Department’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in 2018.

This is part of a national announcement which will see the Government invest €190 million through SICAP over five years to support the most disadvantaged individuals and communities in our society.

Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to announce this support which will make a real difference to disadvantaged people and groups in Mayo. SICAP funding supports life-long learning, strengthening communities and helping people to become job ready.

“The programme supports unemployed people; people living in deprived areas; people with disabilities; single parent families; people on low income and other disadvantaged groups.

“SICAP, which is overseen at a community level by the Local Community Development Committees, has a proven track record of helping people to make progress in their lives.

Between 2015 and 2017 with the assistance of SICAP in Mayo:

•3,583 people were supported on a 1:1 basis

•200 local community groups received assistance

•624 people set up a new business

•1,192 people took part in life-long learning courses

“Over 20% of these recipients lived in disadvantaged areas and 45% of them came from a jobless household.”

Minister Ring continued: “Today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level for the next five years up to 2022. SICAP provides support to those who need it most in all corners of Ireland, from inner city Dublin to rural Ireland.

"Individuals and groups can visit their Local Development Company to receive the support they need. The programme is a great example of local engagement working well within the framework of a national programme