Waterford TD calls on Minister to fund new rural social enterprise network
The minister said his department had seen a presentation on the initiative at a conference in October. Tock Image.
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness has asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to give funding to a proposed social enterprise network in the Comeragh district.
The deputy submitted a parliamentary question recently in which he asked the Minister to provide pilot funding for the Comhar Comaraigh rural social enterprise initiative.
Minister Dara Calleary said he understands that a request was made for funding for a full-time coordinator to work with local community and voluntary groups.
He said that while funding would not be available this year, there could be in 2026.
The minister said the request could be considered next year as part of the implementation of the National Social Enterprise Policy – Trading for Impact.
"The purpose of this policy is to help cultivate and sustain strong and impactful social enterprises in Ireland to enrich the social, environmental and economic well-being of people living in our communities.
"I would like to acknowledge the valuable work undertaken to date by Comhar Comaraigh and the overall potential of this network for the benefit of the community," said Minister Calleary.
The minister said that his department had been invited to present at the Dunhill Rural Enterprise CLG conference in October last year.
At the conference, the minister's representative saw a presentation on a feasibility study setting up a 22 village/30 social enterprise network in the Comeragh Municipal District.
The research was undertaken by Dunhill Rural Enterprises CLG in partnership with WAP-SICAP, Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Kill Community Hall/Theatre, Healthy Waterford Initiative and SETU.
