Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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1327. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the grants available to a facility (details supplied) to purchase a site for the development of a new centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44087/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has a number of capital programmes designed to support community groups wishing to purchase a site for the development of new centres. Subject to meeting individual scheme requirements, applications for the purchase of land to develop new centres can be made under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the LEADER programme and also the Community Recognition Fund (CRF).

The 2023 TVRS placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government’s policies, making them better places to live, work, socialise and raise a family. The acquisition of land in town centres which supports local authorities with the development of town regeneration or community focused projects such as town parks and plazas was one of the types of activities supported under the 2023 Scheme.

Each year, the priorities of the scheme are reviewed to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities. This will continue with future calls for proposals under the scheme. The core aims of Town Centre First policy and the needs of communities around Ireland will be at the heart of any changes made.

The RRDF provides investment to support suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas. The RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland.

Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and ready to proceed. Category 2 provides grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.

I announced the last round of successful projects for Category 1 funding on the 13th May 2024. Only last week I opened a new call for applications under Category 2 with a closing date of 14th March 2025.

Funding under the 2023-2027 LEADER programme may also be available to support this type of activity. While LEADER funding would not support the purchase of land or buildings as a standalone project, the LEADER programme may provide grant aid, not exceeding 10% of the overall project costs, where the purchase of land or buildings formed part of a larger project.

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

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 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. The purchase of land can be considered where it fits with the other criteria of the fund. Any potential applicant should contact their local authority directly for more information on the application process.

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