Help for groups with funding applications

THE complex process facing community and voluntary groups applying for funding was raised at the Dundalk Municipal District meeting.

Cllr. Ruairi O Murchu put forward a motion asking for councillors to call on Louth County Council ‘ to look at ways of improving the means of signposting groups to grants or funding streams.’

The council were told that a weekly communique is issued to all PPN groups which highlights upcoming funding opportunities, and that the local authority have a ‘very well established network’ through which Tidy Towns and other community groups registered with the Community Section are advised of all funding opportunities.

‘We would welcome any suggestion that would help improve the current practices.’

Speaking at the meeting Cllr. O Murchu suggested that the council could look at developing a dedicated page or portal on funding, which could be adapted every week.

The aim, he added, was ‘ to make it as easy as possible for groups to access funding.’

Cllr. Edel Corrigan supported the motion, saying: ‘It is generally those who are not aware of funding streams available who are most in need.’

Cllr. Sean Kelly agreed, adding ‘ The more Louth County Council can do to support groups the better.’

Cllr. Thomas Sharkey pointed out that scientific data used to create ‘Geomaps’ of Louth could be used to look at where particular funding streams could be best used.

An example, he said, could be identifying areas where older people reside, and to look at the funding which would benefit people in these areas.

He added: ‘A lot of grant aid was very poorly spent in the past,’ saying that the need for funding in particular areas can now be ‘quantified with proper data.’