€13.9M Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2024-2028 Announced for Cork County

4 people in Cork County Council chamber holding the Cork County Council logo and the Local Community Development Committees logo.

A total of seven contracts for Cork County have been signed under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 -2028 providing €13.9M in funding to aid deprived and marginalised communities throughout the Cork County.

Managed locally by Cork County Council’s three Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in North, South and West Cork, funding will be delivered locally by six Local Development Companies under contract over a five-year period. The Local Development Companies are Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership CLG, SECAD Partnership CLG, Comhar na nOileán CTR, West Cork Development Partnership CLG, IRD Duhallow CLG and Ballyhoura Development CLG.

Co-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Social Fund, under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills & Training Programme (EIST) 2021-2027, SICAP aims to support those most vulnerable in our society including those on low income or unemployed, living in deprived areas, those with disabilities, single parent families, members of the Traveller and Roma community and other disadvantaged groups.

Welcoming the announcement for 2024 to 2028, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said,

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme plays a significant role in reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion and equality. Through community development pathways, targeted supports, and interagency collaboration, SICAP will help us to enhance the lives of the most marginalised groups and individuals in our communities over the next five years.

The Chairpersons of the three LCDCs, Cllr. Michael Hegarty (South Cork), Cllr. Pat Hayes (North Cork) and Cllr. John O’Sullivan (West Cork) commended the excellent work that has been completed over the last six years and expressed an eagerness on behalf of all three LCDCs to continue working with all six partners to achieve even better results under the new programme.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, added, 

SICAP 2024-2028 will provide national funding for local actions that tackle social exclusion. Through our three Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) and six Local Development Companies, this programme will support those who are most disadvantaged and excluded in society using a community development approach to improve people’s lives and create more sustainable communities.