Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Deputy Leader. This morning, I want to speak on community facilities. I welcome the Government fund that has been launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys. There are three categories, the first being for small-scale projects and improvements to facilities worth between €10,000 and €25,000. The second category is for large-scale projects worth between €25,000 and €100,000 and the third category is for major projects worth between €100,000 and €300,000. These categories offer a range of capital works to community facilities, including upgrading to lighting systems and stage areas, works to address safety concerns, works to improve disability access, improvements to assist and provide additional or better services to communities such as meals for the elderly and youth facilities, and essential maintenance works such as repairs to roofs and so on. There is great potential under this fund, which I believe will be with us for many years because it is vitally important.

The fund is something I have advocated for. I welcome its establishment. However, a point I have made on numerous occasions in this House, and to the Minister, is that there is a need to go further. There is a need for a fourth category for new community facilities, especially in growing communities, in areas where the population is growing and where there is a dire need for additional community space. Currently, small rural communities can apply under LEADER and smaller schemes but, as it stands, there is no scheme open to urban communities. They can try to cobble together an amount under various schemes, but I have urged the Government to consider a fourth category in next year's budget which would include projects for new community facilities. I will continue to advocate for that.

We have some fine community halls around the country associated with primary and secondary school buildings. There has been a significant level of capital investment across the country by the State. These buildings need to be available to the community at night and weekends for whatever purpose is deemed necessary. There is an onus on all boards of management and patrons to work with communities to ensure that facilities which have been provided using State investment are open for the community - the elderly, the young, for sports, after-school activities and a range of activities, including for disadvantaged communities. There are myriad possibilities where these buildings can be provided. The Government and the Department of Education must grasp the nettle on this issue. The State is going to invest in new school buildings and we need to ensure that the associated general purpose rooms or sports halls are available at all stages for communities, including at night and weekends. I urge the Deputy Leader to engage with the Department of Education on that.