Pobal

Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities,  Joe O’Brien this week officially launched a new video which aims to support local decision makers, to ensure that disadvantaged communities have real opportunities to be heard in local planning and decision-making processes. 

Poverty, in particular child poverty, was a  recurring theme this year in the various budget submissions compiled by community and voluntary organisations.  

A new programme was launched last week aimed at enhancing the performance of organisations supported under the Community Services Programme (CSP). 

New research released by Pobal today has found that people living in areas of deprivation are  significantly more likely to report poor health or disability. 

New report says multi-agency approach needed to address disadvantage for people living in draughty homes in Waterford estates

The Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) is to be expanded to two new areas: Tallaght-Jobstown and Roscommon-Castlereagh, with funding for community engagement workers in both areas.

A survey undertaken by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has highlighted how contractual clauses restrict certain groups within the community and voluntary sector from advocacy and speaking out on behalf of their communities.

Pobal is celebrating 30 years in operation this year. It has expanded rapidly and now has over 700 staff in 12 office locations around the country. In 2022, it distributed €901m on behalf of government departments to thousands of community groups. It's CEO, Anna Shakespeare, is clear, however, that the agency's 30th anniversary celebrations are not about Pobal as such, but about the communities they serve.