Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1612. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when applications will open for the Community Centre Investment Fund. [13003/23]

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

Community centres are the cornerstone of community life in towns, villages and parishes across the country. Since my appointment as Minister for Rural and Community Development, I have placed a key focus on the development of these important facilities. 

In 2022, I launched the new Community Centres Investment Fund and there was huge demand for the scheme with over 1,000 applications received. All applications were subject to a competitive assessment following which I was pleased to announce €45.5m for 858 successful projects. These projects will be completed over the course of 2023 and 2024. 

In addition to upgrading existing centres, I know that there are a number of areas that require funding to develop new community facilities. In this regard, I was delighted to secure €21m in Budget 2023 for a new round of the Community Centres Investment Fund which will be targeted specifically at new build community centres. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that details of the 2023 scheme are currently being developed and I hope to issue a call for applications in late 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. 

I also expect to launch the CLÁR Programme in the coming weeks which provides funding for minor enhancement works to community centres.