Five Cork social enterprises to benefit from State funding windfall

Five social enterprises in Cork are set to benefit from more than €63,000 in funding under the growing social enterprise scheme supported by the Dormant Accounts Fund.

The funding, announced yesterday by the minister for rural and community development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and the minister of state at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer, will see an overall €4m invested into social enterprises nationwide, with €63,301 allocated to five social enterprises across Cork city and county.

Supports

The purpose of the fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental, or economic objectives, with funding between €1,500 and €100,000 allocated to successful applicants.

The funding provided will be used for building works, repairs, refurbishments, or for the purchase of new machinery, vehicles, or equipment.

Among the five businesses awarded funding in Cork is Cork New Life Media, trading as Life FM, who have been awarded €15,000 to fund the upgrade of a heating system and computer infrastructure; Mitchelstown Community Centre CLG, who have been awarded €14,200 to fund the installation of a new digital CCTV system; and IRD Duhallow CLG, who have been awarded €15,000 to fund a portable building for reusable cups at the festivals.

Churchfield Community Trust CLG were allocated €14,800 to fund Churchfield Community Trust’s Garden Café Social Enterprise to build a dedicated staff toilet and changing area and to purchase new energy efficient refrigeration; and Goleen and District Community Council were allocated €4,301 to fund the painting of the community centre and office.

Crucial

Fine Gael Cork North Central TD Colm Burke said that the funding will play a “crucial role” in assisting social enterprises to develop across the city and county.

“Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society,” he said.

“In particular, I welcome the funding for Churchfield Community Trust. Throughout the community we know how hard they work, and this funding will go a long way to supporting them carry out their essential work.

The funding announced yesterday, he said, “will help encourage and sustain strong social enterprise in Cork”.