The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides participants with farmer-friendly, part-time work in your own locality at times that do not interfere with farm work. You, your spouse or sibling can work 19.5 hours each week. If you are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments, you can put your talents to good use in some of the community and environmental projects on offer and at the same time obtain income support.

Meath Partnership implements The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) in County Meath on behalf the Department of Social Protection. The scheme aims:

• To provide income support for farmers and fishermen who are currently in receipt of specific long-term social welfare payments, and
• To provide certain services of benefit to rural communities by harnessing the skills and talents available among low-income farmers and fishermen.

The scheme is operating at its full potential with a supervisor and 22 participants in various positions among 15 community groups across County Meath. 

RSS calling all Community & Voluntary organisations

If you are a Community or Voluntary Group interested in availing of the services of an RSS participant for 19.5 hours per week, then Meath Partnership would be delighted to hear from you. The type of work carried out by RSS participants includes:

• Maintaining and enhancing various walking routes (that is, waymarked ways, agreed walks) and bog roads
• Energy conservation work for older people and those at risk of poverty
• Village and countryside enhancement projects
• Social care and care of older people, community care for both pre-school and after-school groups
• Environmental maintenance work - maintenance and care-taking of community and sporting facilities
• Projects relating to not-for-profit cultural and heritage centres
• Community administration or clerical work

Accessing the scheme & further information

For more information on becoming a participant on the scheme, or on becoming a Sponsor Organisation, contact Barbara Gaynor, RSS Coordinator, at barbara.gaynor@meathpartnership.ie or phone 046 9280790.