Meals on Wheels among services to benefit from €1.5m social enterprise funding

Funding worth €1.5million has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development to support 34 social enterprise projects across Ireland. 

Minister Heather Humphreys today (November 17) announced news of the funding as she opened Ireland’s Fourth National Social Enterprise Conference in Dublin. 

Under the Scaling Up Fund, social enterprises will be supported in carrying out a number of capital projects, including the purchase of vehicles as well as refurbishment and improvement works at their premises.

Among those being supported under the initiative are the Meals on Wheels service, community and family facilities, enterprise centres and facilities that cater for young people and people with disabilities. 

Speaking about the funding, Minister Humphreys said, "I am delighted to announce an investment of almost 1.5 million euro to support 34 Social Enterprises the length and breadth of the country.

"The Scaling-Up Fund will support these Social Enterprises to grow and develop their services, carry out capital works, purchase vehicles and other infrastructure projects.

"In Limerick for example, the funding we are providing will develop a café that will provide employment opportunities for people in Autism." 

She continued: "In Wexford, the funding will support the installation of an 8 person disabled access lift. In Dublin, the investment will purchase an electric vehicle for a mental health service. This investment will be transformative.”

A hundred thousand euro has been allocated to the Spraoi Agus Spórt Family Centre in Co Donegal to fund a portacabin, which will meet the needs of 40 children and young people with a disability, and provide office space for three staff members. 

Offaly Integrated Local Development company Limited has received almost €65,000 for the purchase of two new electric vans to deliver the Meals on Wheels program. 

Over €85,000 has been allocated to Castlecomer Demesne Company in Co Kilkenny to fund the purchasing of harnessing equipment to support a high ropes course and to purchase Stand-Up Paddles, wetsuits and a small changing cabin. 

During her keynote speech at the conference, Minister Humphreys praised the role that Social Enterprises play in the community, particularly amid recent challenges such as the pandemic and Ukrainian crisis.

She said, "Social Enterprises are so often on the front line for communities throughout the country, providing goods and services, supporting our vulnerable citizens, and creating jobs.

"I want to thank all Social Enterprises for your tremendous work in serving in serving your communities, addressing disadvantage and creating meaningful job opportunities over the past couple of years, in challenging circumstances.”

"The Social Enterprise sector is growing, and is playing an increasingly important role in supporting our transition to social and circular economy. But we have a duty to maintain that positive momentum." 

She concluded: "We need to be ambitious about the future of this sector, which continues to experience growth and has significant potential to create jobs, and to continue to make a positive impact on society, the economy and the environment.” 

A full list of recommended social enterprise projects is available to view here.