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

I will try to answer as many questions as I can. The Department has already allocated €45.8 million and another €20 million to new community centres. In total, that is €65.8 million, a considerable amount. This is a completely new fund. We did not have it before. I have been very passionate about supporting our communities and community centres. Deputies will be aware of the sports capital programme, which is very popular and successful. When I was appointed Minister in 2020, it was a priority of mine, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, to put a similar fund in place for community centres. The €45 million has supported 300 community centres. Grants ranging from €25,000 to €300,000 help communities to upgrade centres, put in new roofs and mainly put in new heating to make the centres more efficient and cheaper to run. They were aimed at existing community centres. Now, the new community centres are coming. I heard Deputy Harkin speak about Ballymote, which is in the mix along with Tullow Road, as mentioned by Deputy Murnane O'Connor. They are all good projects. I have not received a report from the officials who are assessing them at the moment. It is popular. I will make the case for more money at budget time for more community centres. I know how important they are.

Deputy Stanton asked about an audit. This has to be from the bottom up. Local communities who have nothing should engage with their local authorities and bringing it forward. That is the best way to do it. Sometimes, audits do not get the right information.

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