Michael Ring, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has announced a Government’s allocation of €2 million in funding to 52 social enterprise projects across the country.
Minister Michael D’Arcy hasw confirmed that this funding comes from the Government’s Dormant Accounts Fund and he is delighted to confirm that three social enterprises in Wexford are going to share €153,571 between them.
There is funding for the John F. Kennedy Trust, New Ross, (€62,356), Wexford Local Development, (€70,422), and Feachtas Ealaion, Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Rathaiochta, Wexford, (€62,356).
The main aim of the funding is to increase the impact of social enterprises by enhancing their capacity to delivery services and generate traded income through the provision of small capital grants.
Minister D’Arcy told WexfordToday.com; “Social enterprises are hugely important in towns and cities across Wexford. They 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.
“This new funding will enable the successful applicants to purchase essential equipment, accessible vehicles and in some cases refurbish their premises, allowing them to provide an improved service to all who depend on them,” Minister D’Arcy said.
Minister Ring added; “My Department is at an advanced stage in finalising Ireland’s first National Social Enterprise Policy. I expect to publish a draft of the policy shortly for public consultation, and to publish the final policy early in 2019.”