Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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792. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on a community centre investment fund application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9033/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In June last year, a new round of funding was announced to support community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) 2024 will provide funding of between €10,000 and €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres.

In November, just over €7.8 million was approved for 405 community centres under category 1 of the fund. Category 1 refers to projects seeking funding of up to €25,000.

I can confirm that the group the Deputy refers to has submitted an application under category 2 of CCIF 2024. Category 2 relates to projects seeking funding of up to €100,000. The selection process in respect of all applications under category 2 is currently being finalised and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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793. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when applications for the next phase of the town and village renewal scheme will open; when the next tranche of funding under this scheme is likely to be allocated; the last time funding was made available under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9053/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. The scheme targets funding primarily at towns and villages outside of city metropolitan areas, and with populations of less than 10,000 (although in certain cases towns with a population of up to 15,000 may be eligible).

In April 2024, funding of €20.4 million was announced to support 82 TVRS projects nationally. This funding was in respect of the call for applications which was opened in July 2023, and which placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government policy.

The details of the 2025 Scheme are currently being finalised and it is anticipated that the scheme will be open to new applications within a short number of weeks. It is expected that successful projects will be announced in late 2025.

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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794. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the scheme outline for 2025 for the local improvement scheme will be made available to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9059/25]

Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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805. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding landowners’ consent (details supplied) when applying for the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9567/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 794 and 805 together.

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports improving non-public rural roads and laneways not usually maintained by local authorities. Since its establishment in 2017, almost €170 million has been provided by the Government to local authorities for LIS.

In April 2024, €40 million in funding was announced for LIS across all local authorities to cover 2024/2025. I intend to release the details of the 2025 Scheme imminently to allow local authorities complete their lists of priority roads. My Department officials will liaise closely with local authorities to ensure funding is fully utilised.

While the Department provides funding for LIS, the scheme is administered by local authorities who hold responsibility for the selection and prioritisation of roads. Applications are received directly by local authorities, who engage with beneficiaries of the scheme. I can however confirm that, under the terms of the scheme, prior written agreement must be in place with all parties whose land or interests are likely to be affected before works can commence. This includes all of the beneficiaries of the works in questions and the road authority.

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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795. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the community centre investment fund permits applications from sports clubs for the building of dressing room and gym facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9068/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In June last year, a new round of funding was announced 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.

Under the 2024 fund, applicants such as schools, sports or other single purpose organisations could apply where they clearly demonstrated that they had a facility which was already open to and used by the community for defined eligible activities to a good extent. However, sporting infrastructure projects including changing rooms and sports equipment were not eligible. Funding for changing rooms and gym equipment is available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, which is administered by my colleague Minister O'Donovan's department.

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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796. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he plans to release further LEADER funding prior to the new CAP in 2028, considering some LEADER streams nationwide have already been depleted at such an early stage in the programme;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9069/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme supports a broad range of private enterprises and community groups who improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas. The Programme is delivered by a network of Local Action Groups (LAGs) selected to implement Local Development Strategies for their respective geographical areas.

The LEADER programme is co-financed by the European Commission under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The programme has a funding budget of €180 million for the period 2023-2027.

The funding is allocated to the LAGs at the outset of the programme to provide them with greater flexibility managing their budgets over the programming period. Funding is then paid out by my Department as costs are incurred and claims for payment are submitted.

The 2023-2027 LEADER programme is now operational and the LAGs are engaging with applicants throughout the country to develop and progress project applications. While the level of level of projects approved at present is relatively low, this is consistent with previous programming periods and reflective of the time spent by the LAGs to generate high quality project proposals with the applicants. I look forward to seeing the level of approvals grow in the coming months as applications are progressed.

I am confident that the level of funding allocated for the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is sufficient to meet the demand for grant funding from rural communities and businesses. I have no plans at present to increase the level of funding to the curent programme as there is considerable funding yet to be allocated by the LAGs. However, as committed to in Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, my Department will engage at EU level to seek to increase funding for the next LEADER programme.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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797. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the case of a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; if this school is exempt from applying for CLAR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9088/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.

The school referred to by the Deputy is not located in an area eligible to apply for CLÁR funding.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government makes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligibility criteria of CLÁR within 6 months. This will inform my decision regarding the areas that will be eligible for CLÁR in the future.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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798. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, in light of storm Éowyn and the long-term outages faced by people in rural areas, including those reliant on power for medical or work reasons, he will consider making grant funding available to those in rural communities to support the purchasing of power banks or electrical power sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9091/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has been working to ensure that we take on board the lessons of recent weeks, and that comprehensive preparations are put in place in anticipation of similar weather events in the future.

In the aftermath of the storm, communities were able to get some relief through local community buildings, many of which were repurposed as Community Emergency Response Hubs. I believe that the Hubs were an important part of the response on the ground and I want to ensure that communities are supported and facilitated to continue to provide this sort of response in the future. This includes for the provision of power, digital connectivity, or showering facilities and supports to those with medical needs.

Central to this is the suite of investment schemes implemented by my Department. For example, I am aware that in recent years funding has being provided for a small number of generators for community groups through the LEADER and CLÁR programmes. There is no reason why such support cannot continue to be made available.

With this in mind, I have asked my officials to review schemes as they are due to be launched over the coming weeks and months to ensure that they are fully focused on the real needs of communities – be that for the provision of generators, for the refurbishment of existing community facilities, or for the development of new projects that will help ensure that we continue to support strong, resilient and vibrant communities all across the country.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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799. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the application for a community centre investment grant by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9140/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In June last year, a new round of funding was announced to support community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) 2024 will provide funding of between €10,000 and €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres.

In November, just over €7.8 million was approved for 405 community centres under category 1 of the fund. Category 1 refers to projects seeking funding of up to €25,000.

I can confirm that the group the Deputy refers to has submitted an application under category 2 of CCIF 2024. Category 2 relates to projects seeking funding of up to €100,000. The selection process in respect of all applications under category 2 is currently being finalised and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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800. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the application for a community centre investment grant by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9141/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In June last year, a new round of funding was announced to support community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) 2024 will provide funding of between €10,000 and €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres.

In November, just over €7.8 million was approved for 405 community centres under category 1 of the fund. Category 1 refers to projects seeking funding of up to €25,000.

I can confirm that the group the Deputy refers to has submitted an application under category 2 of CCIF 2024. Category 2 relates to projects seeking funding of up to €100,000. The selection process in respect of all applications under category 2 is currently being finalised and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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801. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the future plans and possible expansion of the Empowering Communities Programme.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) is funded by my Department. It commenced in 2022, initially providing funding for 14 projects. At present there are 17 projects supported under the programme, with annual funding of €2.3 million.

The areas selected for funding under the ECP are ones that are experiencing significant disadvantage identified using the Pobal HP deprivation index. The programme, with the support of the relevant Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and Local Development Company (LDC), aims to enhance community access to key services and empower local communities to develop their own response to area-based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences.

Community Engagement Workers funded under the ECP engage with the supported community and reinforce community development values and principles. They assist the community to take ownership of, and address the issues that are most important to them and facilitate and create positive change. They have organised events with the community that include, inter alia, targeted outreach and drop-ins, wellbeing days, intercultural activities and celebrations, English language classes, community Clean-up and Planting activities.

In essence, the ECP supports disadvantaged communities to develop tailored responses to existing and emerging needs that impact on the quality of life of the people in the ECP areas. Feedback to date from beneficiaries in ECP supported communities has been positive.

Under Budget 2025, additional funding of €1 million has been secured for the ECP with a view to further expanding the programme. Consideration is currently being given to how this additional funding can be utilised to maximum effect for communities that are experiencing significant disadvantage.

My Department plans to evaluate the impact of the ECP in 2025 in the communities supported by the programme.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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802. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made by the libraries section of his Department regarding the stage 1 application for Blackrock, Mahon Library.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9278/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that Cork City Council submitted a Stage 1 Application for Approval in Principle for the Blackrock/Mahon library project, to my Department in Q4 2024, for technical assessment. This requirement is to ensure that proposed projects comply with the Public Library Standards and Benchmarks, which is standard practice for all new public library projects.

The assessment process is progressing and it is anticipated that a Stage 1 decision letter will issue shortly.

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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803. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department plans to develop free soft play areas in urban hubs, such as shopping centres, in Cork city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9331/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the importance of ensuring that there are good child play facilities located in communities throughout Ireland. My department has provided funding for the delivery and upgrade of a large number of playgrounds through schemes such as the CLÁR Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Recognition Fund and the LEADER programme.

These are typically outdoor community facilities delivered by not-for-profit community groups, and with the exception of the Community Recognition Fund these investments are focused on rural areas. Commercial operators are not eligible under the majority of these schemes. The extent to which soft-play areas would be eligible for funding would depend on the nature of the facility and the organisation being funded.

The LEADER programme does fund commercial operators but again, this is dependent on the nature of the project to be funded. The programme does not operate within the boundaries of the five main cities and could therefore not support projects within Cork city. However, the programme would support activities in the wider Cork county area. 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, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available.

Details of all of my Department's schemes and associated eligibility requirements are available on my Department's website.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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804. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the community centres investment fund 2024 awards will be announced for category 2 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9383/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In June last year, a new round of funding was announced 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.

In November, just over €7.8 million was approved for 405 community centres under category 1 of the fund. Category 1 refers to projects seeking funding of up to €25,000.

The selection process in respect of all applications under category 2, which are projects seeking funding of up to €100,000, is currently being finalised. I hope to make an announcement shortly.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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806. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development how his Department ensures that the objectives of the community recognition fund to integrate communities are met; the checks carried out by his Department, once grants are made, that integration objectives are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9735/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) aims to support the development of community infrastructure in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries. The Fund supports the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community and not just new arrivals.

The CRF is designed to target the funding at those areas that are most impacted by this integration challenge. The funding is allocated to local authorities based on the number of new arrivals that are located in that local authority area. Local authorities are required to engage and collaborate with communities to identify the most appropriate projects to respond to the needs of each of the impacted city neighbourhoods, towns and villages.

It is a matter for each local authority to identify the most appropriate locations for funding based on their analysis of the level of new arrivals in each location and in the context of previous funding supports and local needs. In submitting projects to my department for selection, they are required to demonstrate that the projects are located in those communities where Ukrainians and International Protection Applicants are located.

The 2024 funding is being provided across three tranches so that local authorities can respond to changes on the ground during the year in terms of where these new arrivals are located.

This model ensures that the funding is reaching the areas where it is most required. Following completion, local authorities are required to provide details regarding the delivery of the funding, including in respect of the outcome and impact of the project. In addition, all projects funded under the CRF are included in my Department's annual programme of inspection, which includes on site inspections of a proportion of completed projects.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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807. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will allocate additional funding to the community recognition fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9817/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Recognition Fund (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. A further €50 million was allocated in 2024.

Last August €16.5 million was approved to deliver 185 community projects across the country under the first tranche of the 2024 allocation. On 24th February, over €14.4 million was approved to deliver 164 projects across the country for the second trance. As the closing date of 28th February for the third and final tranche has just passed, my officials will now begin the assessment process of these applications with a view to announcing the successful projects in the coming months.

I want to see progress on the current iteration of the scheme before determining next steps. The Government continues to look at how we can further support impacted towns and villages across a range of different schemes and services. Any decision in respect of a further round of funding under the Community Recognition Fund will be considered in the context of those deliberations and the annual budgetary process.