Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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31. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update in relation to allocations under the community centre investment fund; when the scheme for new builds will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63120/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and I was delighted to secure €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 to continue the Community Centres Investment Fund.

This builds on the €15 million which was announced under the fund in 2022. The huge interest in this fund shows how important community centres are for communities throughout Ireland. This Government is committed to providing funding to improve and upgrade these centres which will allow them to continue to provide services for communities to come together.

On October 12th, I announced over €12.5 million in funding for 580 successful Category 1 applicants. On December 8th, I was delighted to announce a further €33 million in funding for 278 successful Category 2 and 3 applicants. Details of the successful applicants are available on my Department’s website.

It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted for new build community centres as well as upgrades and improvements to existing centres. The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and I hope to announce further details in quarter 1 of 2023.