Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

551. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is provision for the building of a new community centre in Kilbarrack in north Dublin; the sites that have been identified for the proposed new community centre; the funding that has been made available for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49031/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department does not currently operate any scheme or programme which would fully fund the construction of a community centre or similar facilities.

However, the provision of community facilities and amenities is addressed within the local authority planning and development process by co-ordinating the functions of various statutory bodies, local and voluntary groups, local authority own resources and proposals for local development.

Earlier this year my Department launched the national €2 million Communities Facilities Scheme. The Communities Facilities Scheme is targeted at both urban and rural areas and funds projects that seek to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level. The 2017 round of applications is closed since June last but another round of funding will be launched for 2018 and funding is being maintained at 2017 levels.

A recast RAPID programme launched on 2 November this year and provides €2 million nationally in capital funding, for projects which aim to improve the lives of residents in disadvantaged urban areas and provincial towns.

Both programmes are being managed at a local level by the Local Community Development Committees in conjunction with the Municipal Districts, under the remit of the local authorities.

Information on both programmes can be accessed on my Department's website at www.drcd.gov.ie.