Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the three Deputies for raising this issue. I sense its importance. Deputies have noted, probably with some frustration, that my answer focused specifically on fire safety but, as the issue that falls within my remit, I was asked to address it. It is a serious issue. I am conscious that other centres and buildings may face the same issues.

I must be clear on the ownership and control of the building. Somebody has to be responsible for it and this must be established and clear for fire purposes or otherwise. Many community centres are owned by the State and I understand that in this case ownership is complicated. For the fire authority to undertake its work, there must be a clear line in respect of who owns the building and who is responsible. Otherwise, further difficulties will arise.

My Department does not fund the provision or renovation of community centres. Deputy Burton knows, having been a Minister, that I cannot just rock up in the House with a chequebook. While I wish I could do so, that is not how it works. I do not know whether any of the Deputies has engaged with the local authority or any other agency on applications or if the centre itself has done as this would not have gone through my Department. I do not have a chequebook and I cannot announce funding. However, I will be happy to raise the matter with other Ministers to see if we can help.

The Department for Rural and Community Development has a scheme called the community enhancement programme which was established in 2018 to replace the recast RAPID programme. Funding is also provided under the community facilities scheme. Last year, the scheme provided €18 million for projects. The community enhancement programme is administered through the local community development committee but is funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development. Each local authority is involved, which is why I asked the Deputies whether they had engaged with the local authority on the matter. I understand the closing date for applications to the scheme has passed for this year but there may be some way that, with the involvement of that community development committee, we could find a way to have an application submitted. I will try to help and I will raise the matter with the appropriate persons.

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