Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

804. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding stream for a new community centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4307/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 provide 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.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

805. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason a community centre (details supplied) did not receive capital investment. [3969/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I launched the €15 million Community Centres Investment Fund in April this year to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade of their community centre facilities.  Funding was on the basis of a competitive assessment process. The fund was oversubscribed and it was not possible to fund all proposals within the budget available.

The application that the Deputy refers to was an application for funding under Category 3 of the Fund. On December 8th last year, I announced €33 million in funding for 278 successful Categories 2 and 3 applicants.  All applicants in these Categories were notified of the detailed outcome of the appraisal process and received a decision in writing.  This correspondence contained guidance in relation to appealing a decision.  The deadline for appeals from Categories 2 and 3 applicants was Tuesday 31st January.

I am delighted to have secured €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 for a 2023 Community Centres Investment Fund.  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 further details will be announced in early 2023.