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

I understand that the Deputy is referring to operational funding for a particular First Responder organisation. My Department does not provide operational funding for such Community First Responder groups. I understand that Community First Responders engage, in the first instance, with the National Ambulance Service and the Deputy may wish to contact the Minister for Health in respect of the provision of operational funding for such groups.

My Department has, however, provided funding for vehicles under measure 2 of the CLÁR programme for Community First Responders and other groups such as those providing free transport for cancer patients. I was pleased to announce the approval of funding of over €2million for 37 projects under measure 2 earlier this year. However, as CLÁR is targeted at particular geographic areas, groups must be located in a CLÁR area in order to be eligible.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

601. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total amount of current funding available under the community centres investments fund; and the timing of the application periods and funding awards. [50666/23]

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

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 in capital funding 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 capital 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.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

602. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her position on applications made jointly by schools, public bodies and community organisations for funding from the community centre investment fund. [50667/23]

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

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

This year the focus of the Fund moved to new builds. I want to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs. 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 minimum grant funding available is €1 million with the maximum being €6 million. The deadline for receipt of applications was 3rd July.

These applications are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in quarter one of 2024.

For the purposes of compliance with public financial procedures, the lead party to an application had to be a State-funded body. State-funded bodies are local authorities, local development companies and other State agencies, including commercial State bodies. This would not have included primary or secondary level schools, although they were welcome to engage with lead parties and communities in taking a partnership approach to any particular project.