Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. Community centres are the cornerstone of community life in towns, villages and parishes across the country. Since my appointment, I have placed a key focus on the development of these important facilities. In 2022, I launched the new community centres investment fund, with grants of up to €300,000 available for the upgrade and renovation of existing community centres. The types of work that are eligible for funding include upgrades to kitchen and toilet facilities, energy retrofitting, including the provision of new windows, doors and heating systems, works to improve disability access, and other essential maintenance work such as fire safety improvements, repair to roofs and floors etc.

There was significant demand for the scheme, with more than 1,000 applications received. All applications were subject to a competitive assessment, following which I was pleased to announce €45.5 million in funding for 858 successful projects.

In addition to upgrading existing centres, I am aware that there are several areas which would love to have new facilities for their communities to enjoy. I am fully committed to doing all I can to support them. The Deputy has raised this matter with me on several occasions. In this regard, I was delighted to secure €21 million in budget 2023 for a new round of the community centre investment fund which will be targeted specifically at new-build community centres. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that details of the 2023 scheme are currently being developed. I hope to issue a call for applications in March.

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