Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and acknowledge that a lot of support has been going into community groups over the years. It is important this continues. With the unprecedented level of increase that is happening in trying to keep community groups and facilities open and running between heating, lighting, insurance and the cost of buying materials to maintain these facilities, it is important that additional funding is made available as part of the cost-of-living element of the upcoming budget. This would ensure these community groups can continue to put on the lights and heat, run the card games in their facilities, cut the grass and keep the places looking well, as well as providing additional resources within the community facilities when they have them. Oftentimes the easiest part of a community group's action is to provide or build a facility. The biggest problem is maintenance and sustainability going forward. Right now there is a crisis. I am hoping additional funding will be provided.

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