Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1326. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is funding available for upgrading existing playgrounds; to provide a list of such funding and timelines for applying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43940/24]

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

My Department recognises the importance of playgrounds in communities throughout Ireland. Applications for the delivery and upgrade of playgrounds are welcome under a number of schemes operated by my Department such as the CLÁR Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the LEADER programme, the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) and the Community Recognition Fund (CRF).

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures, including investment in playgrounds.

I was very happy to make the recent announcement of the successful projects under measure 1 of the 2024 CLÁR programme. In total, funding of over €11.4 million was approved for 264 projects which are developing community facilities and amenities including playgrounds. It is intended that a new iteration of the scheme will open for applications in Quarter 1 next year.

Support for playground facilities often forms part of applications for larger amenity projects under the TVRS. Successful projects under the 2023 TVRS were announced in April of this year with funding of €20.4 million allocated to 82 projects under the scheme. Funding for the refurbishment and development of existing playgrounds along with the creation of new playgrounds were some of the successful projects announced as part of this funding. The next iteration of the TVRS is due to open for applications in the coming weeks.

The LEADER Programme aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion. Funding for improvement works to playgrounds may be provided under this theme, and prospective applicants are advised to contact their Local Action Group, through their Implementing Partner in the first instance, to discuss a potential project.

The CEP provides capital funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas across Ireland, and can include funding for playgrounds. The CEP is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority. A new round of the CEP will be announced shortly.

The CRF was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects. To further support communities, a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund was announced last March.

Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities to my Department across three phases. The closing dates for receipt of applications under the final phase is January 31st, 2025.

Local authorities are required to engage and collaborate with communities to identify the most appropriate projects for support. It is a matter for each local authority to identify the most appropriate locations for funding based on their analysis of the level of arrivals in each location and in the context of previous funding supports and local needs. The CRF has supported a number of playgrounds across the country.

Further details on each of these funds can be found on my Department's website.