Written answers

Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Department of Rural and Community Development

Library Projects

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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488. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if consideration has been given towards the provision of funding for a community centre and library for Kill, County Kildare, given the population growth in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20597/23]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Community centres are the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and urban areas around the country. This Government recognises the important role they play in community life in Ireland, bringing people together and engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.   

With this in mind, my Department has put in place an integrated programme of supports for the establishment and development of community centres across schemes such as CLÁR, LEADER, the Community Support Fund, the Town and Village Renewable Scheme, and of course the new Community Centres Investment Fund.

The 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was warmly welcomed the length and breadth of the country. Over €45.5 million has been committed to the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across the country. These projects are ongoing and will be completed over the coming year.

Following on from this, I want to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs so this year the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund has moved to new builds.  This focus will specifically help those towns and villages that have no community centre whatsoever.

In March I was delighted to announce a €20 million Fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites to build new community centres. This Measure will target areas which do not have an appropriate facility to meet the needs of their area. The deadline for receipt of applications is 3rd July 2023 and I would encourage communities that have eligible projects with planning permission to submit an application under the Fund. Details are available on my Department's website. 

The delivery of public library services, including the provision of library premises, is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Kill is primarily a matter for Kildare County Council. My Department has recently invited proposals from local authorities in respect of library building projects and mobile library services, under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027. The closing date for receipt of applications is 16 June. 

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