Priming grant applications rise as funding dwindles

THE number of applications from local communities for priming grants is rising, while the amount of funding available for the schemes is falling.

So far this year almost twice as many applications for the grants have been received by Clare County Council from within the Ennis Electoral Area than were received for the whole of 2012.

Despite the reduction in the budget, Clare County Council is continuing to encourage community groups to use the scheme to help improve their areas.

Meanwhile, a call has been made for a review of the council’s policy of not providing grass cutting to estates that have been taken in charge. At a recent meeting of Ennis East Area councillors Sonny Scanlan asked for a review of the policy and supports available to housing estates, commenting, “Residents of smaller estates are experiencing economic hardship in their efforts to maintain their estates.”

He added that he is aware of some estates where the cost of providing grass cutting is falling on only some of the residents.
“Because of this other people have to pay extra money, can’t the council do something to take the pressure off? It’s very unfair for people to have to be going door to door looking for money.”

Town manager and director of services, Ger Dollard responded that the priming grants are there to provide some assistance. “The council doesn’t have the resources, staff or financial, to engage in grass cutting all over the county,” he insisted. “I would advise that these people, if they are not already availing of the grant, to do so.”

Helen McNamara of the Ennistymon Area Office, which administers the priming grant scheme operated by Clare County Council, explained that it contains three ‘sub-schemes’. Grants are available for: environmental amenity works; village paint scheme and clean up of illegal dumps.
“It is through this scheme that communities in county council areas can access financial assistance for maintenance and upkeep of common areas in housing estates,” she stated.

In 2011, Clare County Council received a total of 104 applications between all the schemes. The budget was approximately €27,000 with €360 the maximum grant payable. Applications received from community groups within the Ennis Electoral Area in 2011 totalled eight, and seven community groups received financial assistance.

In 2012 the council received a total of 115 applications and the budget was €26,500. Five applicants from within the Ennis Electoral Area, out of a total of six who applied, received financial assistance.

To date in 2013 the council has received a total of 123 applications with the budget for the scheme in 2013 set at €21,500. Eleven applications have been received from the Ennis Electoral Area to date in 2013.
“It is positive to note the increase in applications from the Ennis Electoral Area in 2013 and while the year on year budget for the scheme may have been reduced, community groups are encouraged to make an application for financial assistance under the scheme via the Ennistymon Area Office, who administers the scheme for all of Clare County Council,” she stated.

In relation to Councillor Scanlan’s call for a review she stated, “This is a matter which will be required to be considered by the council in the context of budget allocations.”