Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme
SICAP 2024 - 2028
What is SICAP?
SICAP is an acronym for Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028 provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. SICAP 2024 - 2028 is the successor programme to SICAP 2018 - 2022 which was extended by 1 year to 2023.

SICAP is a social inclusion programme which assists both individuals and groups through a two-pronged approach; supporting communities and supporting individuals.

Programme Details
Duration of the SICAP Programme 
SICAP operates in Co. Kilkenny from 1st January 2024  to 31st December 2028.
Funding
"The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Union through the European Social Fund plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027". 

"Tá an Clár um Chuimsiú Sóisialta agus Gníomhactú Pobail (SICAP) cómhaoinithe ag Rialtas na hÉireann, tríd an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus ag an Aontas Eorpach trí Chiste Sóisialta na hEorpa Plus faoin gClár Fostaíochta, Cuimsiú, Scileanna agus Oilúna (EIST) 2021-2027"

Programme Aim
The aim of SICAP is to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in Ireland through supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.

Programme Goals
Goal 1: Supporting Communities
To support communities and target groups to engage with relevant stakeholders in identifying and addressing social exclusion and equality issues, developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, and creating more sustainable communities.

Goal 2: Supporting Individuals
To support disadvantaged individuals to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of lifelong learning and labour market supports.
Delivery Structure
SICAP is managed locally by Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) with support from Kilkenny County Council. It is delivered on the ground by County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (CKLP). Pobal acts as the agent of the Department of Rural and Community Development with respect to national management and oversight of the programme.
Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee (LCDCs) is the Contracting Authority for SICAP in County Kilkenny. Kilkenny LCDC is the key decision-maker in terms of annual planning, monitoring and oversight of SICAP services in County Kilkenny.
Kilkenny County Council
Kilkenny County Council supports the LCDC in managing the programme and provides administrative supports. It also has a role in relation to reviewing and enforcing the obligations of the Programme Implementer.
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership
Programme Implementer (PIs) deliver SICAP at a local level as per their annual plan. They report to the LCDC on their progress in carrying out these actions. They engage with the programme target groups. County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership is the current PI for SICAP services across Co. Kilkenny.
Target Groups
SICAP supports a range of groups in society which are disadvantaged and marginalised and unable or unlikely to access mainstream supports. Pre-defined target groups have been set for SICAP and these have been selected based on the current socioeconomic context, the level of need in society and government priorities. See below for a list of the 11 identified target groups:

SICAP Services
More information about SICAP can be found on the Pobal website:
https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/social-inclusion-and-community-activation-programme-sicap-2024-2028

Link to EU Funds 

www.EUFunds.ie