Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The new capital fund will open up that dialogue. One of the advantages of opening a specifically identified and named fund for community centres is that the process of dealing with applications will give us a good sense of the need that exists. It will enhance the conversation with local authorities because we will not always be saying, "Yes, here is your money", especially if the local authority has a clear responsibility in the matter. I take the Deputy's point in that regard. We will be developing more in this space in terms of dialogue with local authorities and pinning down the need across the country. One of the reasons there is provision in this regard in the national development plan and the programme for Government is that all parties involved knew very well the need that is there. I look forward to progressing matters in this area.

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