Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1751. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of two grants applied for by a club (details supplied); the timeframe for a decision on both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1379/25]

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

In June last year, I was delighted to announce a new round of funding to support community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. The Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 will provide funding of between €10,000 and €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres.

The window for applying for the scheme closed in early September 2024. I approved in excess of €7.6 million for almost 400 community centres under category 1 of the fund in November last. These are projects seeking funding of up to €25,000.

I can confirm that the organisation referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application under category 2 of the Community Centre Investment Fund 2024. All applications in respect of category 2 projects, which are applications seeking funding of up to €100,000, are currently being assessed. It is expected that successful projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

I understand that the organisation referred to by the Deputy also submitted an application to Cavan County Council under the 2024 Community Recognition Fund.

The Community Recognition Fund is being administered at a county level by each local authority. Applications under this fund can be submitted to the Department of Rural & Community Development by local authorities across three phases. Cavan County Council has not submitted an application to the Department of Rural & Community Development in respect of the organisation referred to by the Deputy under phase 1 or 2. It may be the case that an application in respect of this group may be submitted by the local authority under the third and final application phase. The organisation may wish to discuss this project application directly with Cavan County Council.

John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1752. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when works will commence on the redevelopment of Inis Oírr Pier. [1513/25]

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

Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands, including on Inis Oírr.

There are regular meetings between officials from my department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor the pier development on the islands. The last meeting was held on Tuesday 14 January, and the next meeting is scheduled for 11 February.

I gave approval to Galway County Council in July 2023 to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is therefore responsible for all aspects of the procurement process.

The closing date for receipt of Stage 2 tenders was 23 August. Since then, Galway County Council has carried out the assessment and evaluation of all valid tender responses.

I understand that Galway County Council will shortly submit the Final Business Case for the project to my Department for review, seeking Ministerial approval to proceed to award the contract in accordance with the Government's Infrastructure Guidelines.

The Department will continue to engage with Galway County Council to ensure this project is progressed without delay.