Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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1917. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when further information will be released regarding the 2023 community centres investment fund; if a timeline has been finalised for the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1521/23]

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.

It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted primarily at new build community 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.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1918. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application for funding by a community centre (details supplied) will be examined; and if the centre is entitled to any additional grant aid given the extenuating circumstances in this case. [1624/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The group the Deputy refers to was successfully awarded funding under Category 2 of the Community Centres Investment Fund. There was a huge volume of applications received and at this time, there is no additional funding available for any of the successful groups.

While I recognise the challenges currently faced by capital projects in terms of rising construction costs, a carefully calculated contingency budget will meet many of these challenges. I would advise the group to complete the procurement process and evaluate the quotations received.

An information/help session is due to take place for successful Category 2 and 3 applicants at the end of the month and the group in question will have received notification on how to register for this session. I would advise them to attend the session which will provide information about the procurement and financial elements of projects.