Mayo groups benefit from €18m. Pobal funding

COMMUNITY organisations and childcare providers in Mayo shared in just under €18 million in grants administered by Pobal on behalf of government, the EU and other bodies, according to a new report.

Pobal’s annual report, launched by Catherine Byrne, Minister for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy, outlined how total funding of €17,767,586 was allocated to organisations in the county that address disadvantage, tackle social exclusion, provide employment services and offer subsidised childcare.

The report revealed that over €1,356,996 was spent in Mayo on the Community Childcare Subvention programme which reduces the cost of childcare for disadvantaged families.

More than €3,216,643 in wages were provided via the Community Service Programme which supports community enterprises and over €6,485,810 was allocated to workers on the Rural Social Scheme.

Minister Byrne said: “As an organisation rooted in community values, Pobal is ideally placed to strengthen the capacity of communities in Mayo.”

Other grants awarded included €75,072.22 in Early Years Capital grants for pre-school providers to expand their services; €38,955 from the European Refugee Fund to support the reception of asylum seekers, and the reception and integration of refugees and €4,279,913.33 in payments to individuals participating in Tús placements

Pobal CEO, Denis Leamy, said: “On the ground, across Mayo every day, programmes managed by Pobal in conjunction with local community groups are active. Active supporting local groups, facilitating community development and helping individuals progress.

“Great credit is owed to the staff, volunteers and board members of all the local and national groups across Mayo. Every week, day in day out, their work is having a meaningful impact on people’s lives and futures.”

Pobal is a not-for-profit intermediary organisation that manages various funding programmes on behalf of the Irish government, the EU and other bodies. In 2015, Pobal distributed over €345 million to beneficiaries throughout Ireland.