Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD launched the Community Services Programme (CSP) 2024 Annual Report on 26 November 2025, highlighting the programme’s impact on communities across Ireland. The report features case studies of CSP-supported organisations, demonstrating how funding supports local services, strengthens communities, and builds resilience. It emphasizes the role of CSP in creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals while delivering vital social services through a social enterprise model.
The CSP Programme focuses on communities with limited public or private sector services due to geographic or social isolation or unmet demand. In 2024, the programme supported 451 services through 431 organisations, providing 1,727 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and 352 manager positions. Across these organisations, 3,302 individuals were employed, with 64% in part-time roles and 36% in full-time positions.
Key achievements in 2024 include the addition of 14 new organisations to the programme, introducing 13 managers and 23 FTE positions. Furthermore, 32 existing organisations received additional staffing resources, adding 35 FTE and seven manager positions. Funding rates for CSP-supported roles were increased from January 2024 to ensure continued organisational sustainability.
Looking ahead, Budget 2025 allocated €55.4 million to the CSP Programme, an increase of €3 million from 2024, with a further increase of €4 million announced for 2026, bringing the total allocation to €59.4 million. The Programme for Government commits to opening the CSP for new applications annually, with the scope of the 2026 call currently under review.
Minister Buttimer emphasized the CSP’s impact on communities nationwide, highlighting its contribution to local services, employment, and sustainable, inclusive development. Pobal CEO Anna Shakespeare noted that the programme supports diverse activities across sectors, addressing area-level deprivation and enhancing social and economic outcomes. She praised the 2024 Annual Report for reflecting the programme’s success and responsiveness to local needs.
Despite social and economic challenges in 2024, CSP-supported organisations continued to provide vital services, safe community spaces, and employment and training opportunities. The programme, administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, currently supports 446 services via 427 organisations, operating under a social enterprise model to deliver local social, economic, and environmental services.
Following a 2023 restructuring, CSP funding rates were revised to support organisations in higher disadvantage areas employing at least 70% of individuals from target groups. In 2024, the Department increased contributions per FTE and manager role in high- and medium-need categories to mitigate the impact of minimum wage increases, ensuring continued support for organisations serving disadvantaged communities.
