The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has announced that an additional grant of €1,000 will be made available to all Community Employment (CE) sponsor organisations to support materials costs. This funding aims to assist organisations in covering essential expenses required for the effective operation of CE projects.
Community Employment is a programme designed to help long-term unemployed and disadvantaged individuals gain work experience and training while contributing to local communities. Participants work part-time in a variety of roles, delivering vital services such as childcare, Tidy Towns initiatives, meals on wheels, maintenance of local amenities, arts and culture projects, sports, health-related services, and drug rehabilitation schemes. Currently, 807 CE schemes operate across Ireland, serving both urban and rural areas, with 19,659 participants and an annual budget exceeding €415 million for 2026.
Minister Calleary highlighted the importance of CE in supporting both participants and communities. He emphasised that the additional grant reflects the Government’s commitment to the programme, particularly in light of rising costs faced by community groups. The funding will help cover materials and consumables necessary for the smooth operation of CE schemes, including items such as insurance, tools, protective clothing, stationery, audit fees, bank charges (excluding interest), and the hiring of equipment.
The CE programme not only delivers essential community services but also equips participants with occupational skills and work experience that improve their chances of securing full-time employment. The additional €1,000 grant, arising from Budget 2026, will further strengthen the capacity of CE sponsor organisations to provide high-quality services and meaningful work opportunities for participants, supporting both community development and employment outcomes nationwide.
