I am delighted to announce funding of €1 million from my department, the Department of Rural and Community Development, under the Small Capital Grants scheme for social enterprises.
The allocations for 124 social enterprises from the Dormant Accounts Fund includes funding for Galway enterprises totalling €43,200.
These awards are specifically aimed at companies supporting disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities and travellers or organisations that tackle issues such as food poverty, social housing and environmental matters.
We had an overwhelming response to our call for applications. The Galway groups receiving awards are SCCUL Enterprise Centre, Ballybane, Galway Community Circus, Ballinasloe Area Community Development Ltd and Galway Telework Co-op Society Ltd, Mountbellew.
The grants are between €2,000 and €15,000 and examples of the type of purchases they are intended to fund include computers, training materials, kitchen equipment and minor refurbishments.
I would like to acknowledge the work of the Local Development Companies who assist the Department of Rural and Community Development in administering the scheme and my ministerial colleague, Minister Michael Ring, for his support.