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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 62 together.

My Department operates a range of programmes and schemes that support and assist urban and rural community groups throughout the country. The range of targeted investments and supports offered by my Department fund a wide range of initiatives that help promote rural regeneration, town and village regeneration, outdoor recreation, regional enterprise growth and social inclusion. Capital schemes including the town and village renewal scheme, LEADER, the rural regeneration and development fund, the local improvement scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme, the community recognition fund and the community centre investment fund are delivering projects throughout the country. The emphasis of the 2023 to 2027 LEADER programme, which builds on the many successful previous programmes, will include the continued development of the rural economy. There will also be a strong focus on building the capacity of marginalised and new communities, particularly in areas that have not benefited from LEADER financial support in the past.

On Friday last I was delighted to announce a further €20 million in funding to support our community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. That is open for applications now. The community centre investment fund 2024 refurbishment grant will provide funding from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs. This allocation brings the total amount of funding announced to support the development of community centres to in excess of €95 million since 2022. The community centre investment fund, whether for existing or new centres, has proven to be extremely popular. Current funding supports such as the social inclusion and community activation programme and the community services programme are helping to tackle social exclusion, unemployment, promote social cohesion and support thriving communities.

The schemes administered by my Department are regularly reviewed and, where necessary, adapted and supplemented in response to emerging needs.

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