Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to provide grants to community centres in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9239/23]

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 €21 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 for these centres which will allow them to provide services for communities to come together.

The 2023 fund will focus on 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 March.

Separately, community centres can apply to the Community Support Fund which provides supports to small groups who are struggling with energy/running costs and for small capital works. Groups should contact their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for details of this fund.