Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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732. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider providing financial contributions to community groups supporting communities lacking utilities following Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4036/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Community groups and volunteers throughout the country have played an important role in supporting families and vulnerable groups in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.

This has complemented the Cross Government response by government departments, local authorities, utility companies and emergency services, in particular with regard to those areas impacted for a long period of time.

In many instances public facilities including community centres, sports clubs and libraries, were promptly put to use as Emergency Response Hubs providing for basic needs such as showers, water and a place to charge devices. Staff from the local authorities, utilities companies, government departments, statutory agencies, and voluntary organisations such as the Irish Red Cross also used these hubs to meet with, support and advise the public.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department provides a range of schemes to support community groups and community infrastructure, including, but not limited to; the Community Enhancement Programme, the CLÁR programme, Community Centre Investment Fund and Broadband Connection Points. These programmes have helped improve the resilience of our communities, in particular in terms of having access to broadband and good quality community spaces.

The response to Storm Éowyn has shown the importance of these programmes and the need for continued investment to ensure the resilience of communities in such situations. I intend to ensure that the schemes operated by this Department can provide investment that can help support communities in the aftermath of such events.