€80,000 funding approved for seven Mayo Social Enterprises
THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, has announced the allocation of €81,590 through his department’s Dormant Accounts Fund to support seven social enterprise projects in Mayo.
The Small Capital Grants Scheme, which has been introduced this year by Minister Ring, supports a key policy commitment in the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland, which the government published in July, to grow and strengthen social enterprises.
The following social enterprises in Mayo have received support:
| RECIPIENT | PURPOSE | AMOUNT |
| Ballycastle Community Hall | Hall insulation to ensure continued use by the communities for recreational and social activities and to bring it in line with Government policy to improve energy ratings. This is the only building in the village that has the capacity of holding over 100 people. This will in turn help to increase our traded income. | €15,000 |
| Mulranny Industrial Development Trust | Final stage of re-development work on an industrial unit refurbished to modern and energy efficient standards. It is hoped to promote the unit to the private sector (storage for courier companies) and also for use as a digital hub. | €15,000 |
| Robeen Rascals Community Childcare | Development of car park facility, new outdoor walls, repair to outside play area. | €4,500 |
| Carrowbeg Enterprises, Western Care Association | Refurbishment and upgrade of kitchen and toilet areas their centre | €15,000 |
| Carrakennedy Community playschool | Repairs to roof of playschool building | €15,000 |
| Westport Social Services | Purchase of new dishwasher, microwave and cooker and replacement of crockery. | €2,090 |
| Mayo Academy of Performing Arts | Chairs/Tables/ Acoustic wall panels, teaching whiteboards, Printer, Scanner, laptops, Kitchen units, Storeroom shelving, floor paint, reception desk and chair | €15,000 |
Announcing the funding today, Minister Ring said: “Social Enterprises are providing valuable services and supports in communities across Ireland.
"To assist them in their work, I announced the Small Capital Grants Scheme in October.
"We received an overwhelming response to this call for funding from social enterprises in Mayo and across the country.
“These grants of between €2,000 and €15,000 which are being awarded will help these enterprises to achieve their social, environmental and economic objectives.
“This funding is being provided from the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is managed by my department.
"Examples of items being supported through the Small Capital Grants scheme include the purchase of new kitchen equipment, computers, training material, and minor refurbishments.
“Unfortunately it was not possible to fund more of the social enterprises that applied this year, given the budget available, but I will review the possibility of making further allocations in 2020.
"I also intend to make an announcement very shortly on funding for Training and Mentoring for Social Enterprises.”