# Irish government announces €190 million funding programme for deprived communities

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/05/22/irish-government-announces-e190-million-funding-programme-for-deprived-communities/
- Published: 2018-05-22T11:27:06+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**In Ireland, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Mr. Michael Ring
TD, has announced funding of €190 million over five years to tackle disadvantage
in Ireland. **

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which is co-funded
by the European Social Fund, will support the most disadvantaged individuals and
communities in Ireland, in particular, unemployed people, people living in deprived
areas, people with disabilities, single parent families, people on low income, members
of the Traveller and Roma community and other disadvantaged groups.

The Minister said: “Working at a local level with community groups and individuals,
SICAP funding supports life-long learning, strengthens communities and helps people
to become job ready. By providing practical guidance and supports the programme 
helps disadvantaged people throughout the country to make progress in their lives
and to realise their potential.”

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The programme, which is administered by Pobal and overseen at a community level 
by the Local Community Development Committees, is a continuation of SICAP funding
which began in 2015. Previously SICAP supported individuals, community groups, the
gaining of higher qualifications, jobs and business start ups.  Over 29% of previous
beneficiaries lived in disadvantaged areas and 40% of them came from a jobless household.

Minister Ring continued: “SICAP provides support to those who need it most in all
corners of Ireland, from areas of 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.”

Denis Leamy, CEO of [Pobal](http://www.pobal.ie) which administers the programme,
said there would be an increased focus on targeting the most disadvantaged individuals
and communities using community development approaches, more intense engagement,
and greater collaboration with other agencies.  

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