Offaly TD calls for online portal for community and voluntary groups

Offaly TD John Clendennen has called for the introduction of an online portal to streamline administration and reduce the burden on local community groups and local authority officials.

Speaking in the Dáil on the Local Enhancement Programme, Deputy Clendennen, drawing attention to the administration burden placed on local community groups, said: “I ask that the Department give consideration to the establishment of a portal online that would allow the likes of community groups to upload all their credentials and documentation on the one occasion and that would be there as an ongoing record.”

He said the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025. which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area had been "a game-changer for rural communities", providing vital support to over 200 community groups in Offaly this year alone.

Replying to the Deputy, Minister of State at the Department of Rural Community Development, Jerry Buttimer stated: “As regards Deputy Clendennen's point, the idea of the portal is a good idea. He is right that people move on and there is a lacuna then and a burden of administration placed on the voluntary effort. I will talk to Deputy Clendennen with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, about the suggestion of the online portal because it is good and deserves merit.”

Deputy Clendennen also expressed his gratitude to volunteers and community leaders, recognising their dedication as the driving force behind those initiatives.

“An online portal would streamline administration for our volunteers and community groups, benefitting them by letting them get on with the great work they do. I look forward to further discussion with Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer and Minister Calleary.”