'Huge blow' as community groups allocated 50% less funding than last year

Community groups in the north west of Cork city have been allocated 50% less than last year through a government programme, with almost two-thirds of the €1.2m applied for not granted.

Of €1,241,496 in funding applied for involving 23 projects under the Cork North West Quarter Regeneration (CNWQR) programme, €449,498 was allocated for 16 of these, with only one project getting the full funding it had sought.

Seven projects were not allocated anything, with a total cost of €791,998 not funded across the projects refused and partially-granted. The just-under €450k in funding is a considerable decrease from the €870,200 provided last year under the same project.

Minister for housing, local government and heritage James Browne said that since 2022 over €85m has been allocated to projects that are either completed or on-site under the CNWQR programme. "The current CNWQR programme runs until 2028, and it is envisaged that projects will be on-going until this date.

“Additional funding for Cork City Council has also been provided to support a social economic and environment plan (seep) programme, to address the physical regeneration of housing and to support wider community infrastructure projects, and social and economic interventions which seek to address the causes of disadvantage in communities.

“This is funded on an annual basis with an overall allocation of €450,000 in 2025. It is a matter for the Council to shortlist the most appropriate projects, that fit accordingly with the objectives of the social housing regeneration programme, in terms of revitalising the area and the built environment.” 

Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould said: “Once again, the regeneration in Knocknaheeny has been plunged into chaos. Projects like the pilot Cultural Creativity Hub for Knocknaheeny will now not go ahead. 

"This represents an almost 50% cut compared to last year’s funding and only a third of what was sought.

“If the regeneration is to be more than bricks and mortar, then it must include funding for community groups that are doing Trojan work in the community. We have groups like the Kabin Studio, with global success, being refused funding.

“The government last week voted to give €640m over two years in tax breaks to developers but they’ve refused community projects in Cork.” 

Councillor Kenneth Collins added: “This is a huge blow to these groups and the reality is that many won’t be able to make up the shortfall. 

"If a community group needs €20,000 to complete a project, they can’t complete it with €10,000 as they won’t have funds to plug the gaps.

“These groups put time and effort into applying for innovative and exciting projects. The disappointment in Knocknaheeny and across the North West is huge.”