Minister Heather Humphreys at the official opening of Trivia House hostel in Swanlinbar in March. From left: Terry Hyland, CEO Cavan County Local Development LEADER; Elaine Halpin, LEADER Manager; Serena Prior, PRO Swanlinbar Development Association (SDA); Kevin Prior, committee SDA; Aisling McGovern, secretary SDA; Francis O'Reilly, Treasurer, SDA; Minister Heather Humphreys; Tony McGovern, Chairperson SDA; Cathaoirleach Clifford Kelly (FF); Cllr Peter McVitty, chair Municipal District; Sylvia Young, committee SDA; Gregory McGovern, committee, SDA; Catherine Ryan, International Fund for Ireland; Cllr John Paul Feeley (FF) and Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind). Photo: Lorraine Teevan

Major boost for Trivia House

Government to fund manager and three full time posts at the tourism hub

Swanlinbar Development Association is one of seven organisations nationwide being added to the Department of Rural and Community Development's 'Community Services Programme'.

Minister and local TD, Heather Humphreys, confirmed the news this morning. Under the programme, her Department will fund a manager and three full-time posts at Trivia House.

This programme supports voluntary and community bodies by providing specific funding for staff members, including a full time manager.

The support for Swanlinbar Development Association CLG relates to the ongoing operation of Trivia House and services there.

The social enterprise promotes tourism in the area through the provision of hostel accommodation with seven bedrooms (six ensuite) as well as meeting local community needs through the operation of a community meeting room for hire and use. A separate building at the back is used as a digital hub for rental and use; while a bike hire facility for visitors and the residents is also based at Trivia House.

There are approximately 420 bodies supported under CSP nationwide – with seven organisations being added this week.

The programme provides €32,000 per manager working a 39-hour week and €19,033 for every full time equivalent (FTE).

According to Minister Humphreys, Swanlinbar is to be supported with funding for a manager and three full time employees.

“I am delighted that Swanlinbar Development Association, which carries out such important work on a local level, has been added to the Community Services Programme (CSP).

“This programme supports voluntary and non-for-profit organisations the length and breadth of the country, by providing them with the necessary funding to hire a manager and full staff.

“I know that this support will benefit the entire community of Swanlinbar and I am delighted the development association has been successful in its efforts to be added to this important scheme.”

Minister of State at the Department, Joe O'Brien, also welcomed the new entrants to the Community Services Programme (CSP).

Seven organisations based in Monaghan, Dublin, Cavan, Galway, Tipperary, Donegal and Limerick are entering onto the programme and funding is being provided by the Department to cover six managers and 15 full time equivalent (FTE) positions across these organisations.

In neighbouring County Monaghan, Mullaghmatt Cortolvin Community Development Company Limited has also been added to the programme. It has secured funding for one manager and two FTEs.

Announcing the new applicants to the CSP, Minister O'Brien said:

“I am delighted to be in a position to announce these new applicants to the Community Service Programme, and to extend the capacity of the CSP to deliver vital services to those most vulnerable in our communities.”