Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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622. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development what funding supports could be provided to a group (details supplied) for the purchase a vital piece of equipment. [6075/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department's CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.

Under Measure 3 of the 2023 scheme, funding was provided for "Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport". This measure supported community first responders and search and rescue organisations that operate on a voluntary basis in CLÁR areas. This measure is designed to provide funding for the purchase and/or fit out of vehicles rather than specifically for equipment such as drones. Funding is not provided for operational costs.

The focus of supports under CLÁR is reviewed each year and I expect to announce details of the new Programme in the coming weeks. These details will be available on my Department's website.

Funding under my Department’s 2023-2027 LEADER programme may also be of assistance to the group concerned. Financial support under LEADER is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development under the headings; Economic Development and Job Creation, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the sub-regional area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.

Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant Local Action Group (LAG), through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. Details of Local Action Groups are available on my Department's website.

Heather 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 providing a space to engage with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.

With this in mind, I have 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 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was warmly welcomed the length and breadth of the country. Over €45.8 million has been committed to the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland.

Following on from this investment, I wanted to assist community groups who are striving to build their own community centre to service their local needs. That is why, in 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds.

Last year, I announced a €20 million fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites for the construction of new community centres. These shovel ready projects have all necessary planning and consents secured so they are already at an advanced stage and ready to commence following a tender process. This fund targets areas without an appropriate facility to meet their community’s needs.

The deadline for receipt of applications for the new build measure has now passed and I was very pleased with the response to this new initiative. In total, twenty-two applications for new build community centres were received by my Department.

I can confirm that an application for the project referenced by the Deputy has been received seeking investment of over €1.1 million from the fund. The assessment of all of the applications is almost complete and I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.