Council seeking community support centres across Clare ahead of future severe weather

Clare County Council has announced that they are seeking Expressions of Interest from community organisations who have suitable premises to act as designated Community Support Centres.

These support centres would act as part of a vital, community-based response in the event of severe weather events or other local emergencies.

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The closing date to enter an Expression of Interest is Friday December 19 at 12pm.

Groups expressing interest should be prepared to make their premises available as a safe gathering point during an emergency and to open the centre when requested by Clare County Council, or to self-activate if needed locally.

They should also be able to provide basic supports such as tea and coffee, phone-charging, Wi-Fi, information and a friendly welcome.

In addition, groups will need a team of volunteers who can staff the centre for agreed hours and should stay in regular contact with Clare County Council, who will support them through a designated liaison person.

Community Support Centres would not be expected to remain open 24/7 nor would they have to take on specialist or medical roles.

All that will be expected of them is to provide the following basic community supports.

Designated Community Support Centres will be eligible for an annual grant to support readiness and small-scale improvements, including funding toward the purchase of generators.  

Clare County Council will also fund and arrange for the installation of the Change Over Switch to facilitate independent power supply/generators and or electrical upgrades.   

As well as this, the council will deploy generators during severe weather/emergency event to the Community Support Centres where the greatest need is.   

Any community organisations interested in becoming Community Support Centres are asked to fill out the expressions of interest form: Expression of Interest Form and return to Rural and Community Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare or by email to ruraldev@clarecoco.ie by 12pm midday on December 19.