Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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987. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which first funding allocations are anticipated from the new community centres investment fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18362/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I recently announced details of a new Community Centres Investment Fund. This capital fund, with a budget of €15m, is to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the country. The fund will assist with projects such as:

- Energy retrofitting projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint;

- Works to address safety concerns, including as a result of fire safety audits;

- Works to improve disability access;

- Works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities; and

- Essential maintenance.

I expect applications to open shortly. Guidelines and application forms will be available on my Department’s website. When the assessment of applications is complete later in the year, allocations will be made from the Fund, details of which will be also made available on the Department's website.