Mayo Minister announces open call for the Community Service Programme

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has recently announced an Open Call for Applications under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The CSP Programme currently supports over 420 community-based organisations.

Announcing the new call, the Minister said: “I am delighted to be opening the new call for application under the Community Services programme. This programme keeps hundreds of organisations going across the country and that is what we want to see. In Mayo alone, there are 37 CSP organisations.

“I’m here with Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla at the Achill Experience who are celebrating ten years in existence and have seven staff members who are funded through the scheme. To put it simply, without CSP, there would be no celebrations here today, CSP keeps the doors open.

“It is one of the key schemes in my department and I know how popular it is with organisations across the country. Opening a call for applications to entrants today is fulling a commitment made in the Programme for Government.”

The overarching vision of the CSP Programme is to support community organisations that operate to deliver a social purpose, to offer services that meet identified needs and provide employment locally contributing to sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities. 

It will provide community-based organisations with an opportunity to access funding to support the employment of staff, in line with the programme’s objectives and principles.

The Minister continued: “The CSP Programme plays a vital role in supporting a wide range of services, facilities and activities that enhance the quality of life for specific disadvantaged groups within our communities. This Open Call will be essential in expanding those supports by bringing new organisations and services onto the programme.”

Pobal will provide support to organisations interested in making a preliminary application to join the CSP Programme from today until the closing date for applications on 8th of May.

Following submission of a preliminary application that meets all eligible criteria, shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full application to Pobal by August 28. Information Events will be held for successful applicants applying for the programme on the week beginning July 27. 

This will ensure those applying to the CSP Programme are fully equipped with the information that they need to apply for this funding. Details will be shared on the Pobal CSP webpage and on the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s website and social media channels.

Terence Dever, CEO of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acl said: CSP has been a game-changer for us here at The Achill Experience. It has allowed us support employment, up-skill workers and open our doors up to the community. I’m delighted that Minister Calleary was able to join us for our tenth birthday celebrations and for him to see the impact that CSP has on the staff and the community.

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