Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD)

Community development workers and volunteers have been thanked for their "vital" work and their "staggering" output amidst unprecedented challenges.

From next January, each PPN will receive over €100,000 in core funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development - more than double the original allocation of €50,000 each in 2015 and an increase of almost 20% on 2024.

A Budget package worth €472 million has been allocated to the Department of Rural and Community Development for 2025. A number of community and voluntary organisations, including Irish Rural Link were critical of the allocation, with CEO Seamus Boland saying the €472 million “pales in comparison to the amount of money available in the Budget”.

There was a mixed response from the community and voluntary sector to the launch of Budget 2025 this week. Some measures have been welcomed as a step in the right direction, but many organisations expressed the view that it didn’t go far enough to help those who need it most.

More than €1 million in funding has been announced today for the development and improvement of 517 walking trails around the country. 

More than €2.1 million has been allocated to provide 48 vehicles for a number of services including cancer care, transport for people with mobility issues, and to deliver meals on wheels to the elderly and other vulnerable people.

The project formerly known as Ballyfermot/Chapelizod Partnership rebrands

Funding for pilot wellness hub ends, but mental health work must continue