Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports that she is providing to sports clubs and community groups throughout the country to support their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44789/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The funding of sports clubs in the first instance is a matter for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Through the Dormant Account Fund, which my Department manages across government departments, €12 million has been provided to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in 2022 for various sporting measures.

My Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country, and in doing so to deliver on a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support urban and rural communities including sports clubs, youth groups and voluntary and community groups.

These supports include, amongst others, the Community Centres Investment Fund, the Community Services Programme, Community & Voluntary Supports programme, Community Activities Fund, Community Enhancement Programme, Empowering Communities Fund and the Scheme to Support National Organisations.

Just this week I announced funding of over €2.75 million for 74 community projects nationwide. This funding, under the CLÁR Programme, will provide sports clubs, schools and community groups with grants of up to €50,000 to develop a range of projects that will benefit people of all ages. The successful projects include astroturf pitches, community gyms, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor pool tables, outdoor cinemas, walkways, public toilets and car park facilities.

All my Department’s policies are underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and urban stakeholder groups, community groups, young people, Government Departments and State Agencies. This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on rural and urban communities, and in identifying areas for response relevant to the work of my Department.