An extra 800 jobs are to be created in the community sector by an additional €20 million for projects which have been announced by Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The additional funding for the Community Services Programme will support local community activity by providing employment for people from disadvantaged groups, people with disabilities, long-term unemployment, Travellers, lone parents and rehabilitated addicts.
Just over 2,000 people are employed in the 340 community services projects which are being currently funded and it is expected the additional €20 million will employ a further 800 people in more than 130 additional projects.
The Minister yesterday said that applications for funding from this additional money were currently being invited from integrated Leader/partnership companies.
They are being invited to submit up to six applications from their local areas for funding for community halls and buildings, community services and community enterprises.
He said the activities of the projects already being funded were very varied, including services for the elderly such as meals, home maintenance or home security.
They also covered services for people with disabilities, such as transport, and services also covered such areas as the management of community halls and facilities and recycling and environmental projects.
Mr Ó Cuív said the substantial increase in funding to community and voluntary organisations was possible because of the commitment made by the Government to increased support for the sector contained in the latest social partnership agreement.
He said the Government had clearly recognised the value of the great work which local community organisations did for their communities.
"There is no doubt that the many people who benefit from the work carried out by these groups will see great benefits from this investment," the Minister added. "This new round of funding is a big increase and has been made possible because of the Government's commitment to the social partners in Towards 2016."
The 340 projects across the State provide 1,645 full-time equivalent jobs.
There are 309 managers of the projects.