Castlebar Voluntary Social Services

Christmas funding boost for two Mayo social enterprises

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has allocated €74,132 to support the work of two social enterprises in Mayo.

Today’s announcement is part of a €2 million in funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund to social enterprise projects across the country.

The following social enterprises in Mayo have been allocated funding:

 

<span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><span style='color:white'>Recipient</span></span></span></b></span></span><span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><span style='color:white'>Description of Project&nbsp;</span></span></span></b></span></span><span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><span style='color:white'>Amount</span></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Castlebar Social ServicesCompany</span></span></span></span><span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>This project aims to replace theexisting bus which is 11 years old with a new vehicle to allow theservice to continue to provide the current bus service to theelderly and vulnerable. &nbsp;The bus service allow the clients toaccess the Castlebar Social Services and come into thetown.</span></span></span></span><span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>&euro;57,352</span></span></span></span>
<span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Mayo North Family HeritageCentre Company</span></span></span></span><span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>To fund refurbishment of theCourtyard Hall in the Enniscoe House estate including removal andreplacement of fixtures and fittings; re-plastering and repaintingof interior and exterior of Hall and resurfacing of yard andvarnishing of hall floor.</span></span></span></span><span style='font-size:12pt'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>&euro;16,780</span></span></span></span>

 

Stated Minister Ring: “I am delighted to be able to support the valuable work that these local social enterprises carry out. Social enterprises drive job creation, deliver essential services, bring social benefits and breathe life into communities.

"Most importantly, they carry out this work in communities and areas which are most in need, including rural areas which would otherwise struggle to attract mainstream providers in certain sectors.

“By providing this support we are helping social enterprises to delivery vital community services. The allocations follow a call for applications for funding under the measure made by the Minister for Rural and Community Development in July of this year.

“My department also provides ongoing supports for social enterprises through the Social Innovation Fund which was launched earlier this year.

"A further call for proposals under this fund has been launched in the last few weeks. Further significant supports are provided by my department through the SICAP, LEADER and the CSP programmes.

“We are at an advanced stage in finalising the draft National Social Enterprise Policy. I expect to publish a draft Social Enterprise Policy shortly for public consultation, and to publish the final policy early in 2019.”

The Social Enterprise Measure of the Dormant Accounts Fund 2017 Action Plan, is overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Pobal.