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

I was at Hartstown with the former Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, when I announced €30 million for 12 new community centres whose applications had been received. That was two weeks ago and I have managed to visit six of them already. I hope to see the other six. Those projects arose where there were new communities and increased populations and they needed community centres. I was delighted to be able to announce that funding.

There will be another round. I am considering having a round for existing community centres. In the meantime, there are other funding options available to communities under, for example, LEADER, CLÁR and the town and village renewal scheme. They should watch out for announcements about when those funds are open so that, if they need extra money, they can apply to them.

I wish to continue the community centres investment fund. It is a great fund that helps many people. Sometimes, the grants are small, but they make a significant difference and it is important to support communities. The community centre is at the heart of the community, so it is an important place.

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