Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This Government recognises the important role that community centres play in community life in Ireland, particularly in bringing people together.

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 Renewal Scheme, and of course the new Community Centres Investment Fund.

The focus of the 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was improving existing community centres across Ireland. Over €45.8 million has been committed to this refurbishment work.

This funding was very warmly received by communities all over Ireland. At the same time, the scheme also brought to light that there were a number of community groups striving to build their own new community centre, and that there is a need for new facilities in some areas. In response to this need, I announced a €20 million Fund in March this year to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects to build new community centres.

The minimum grant funding available is €1 million with the maximum being €6 million. The deadline for receipt of applications was 3rd July. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department and I expect to announce the successful projects in quarter one 2024.

I want to finalise this current round of funding and announce the successful projects before deciding on the next steps forward. My Department will be assessing the outcomes from the first two rounds of the Community Centre Investment Fund, and reviewing the focus of our other related schemes, to ensure that our overall package of integrated supports for community facilities is meeting the needs of our communities.