Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1962. 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. [11959/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Last week I approved over €26 million for 369 community centres under Category 2 of the Community Centre Investment Fund 2024. Funding of up to €100,000 will be provided to each successful community centre to support vital refurbishment and enhancement works. The projects include building renovations, enhanced amenities, accessibility measures and energy upgrades to help build the resilience of the local communities.

This brings the total amount approved under the 2024 iteration of the fund to over €33 million for in excess of 770 projects nationwide.I can confirm that the group referred to by the Deputy are among the successful projects announced last week. They have been awarded €36,161 to fund a number of improvements relating to energy efficiency and fire safety.

Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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1963. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the grant funding available through his Department for the renovation of a derelict pump house on a school property, providing additional space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12094/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has a number of capital programmes designed to support community groups wishing to renovate facilities and public spaces which are available to the wider community.

While the area referred to by the Deputy is not eligible under CLÁR, the project may be eligible under a future iteration of the Community Recognition Fund (CRF). The CRF has supported a number of renovation projects across the country on condition that they are open for use by the whole community and, in the case of projects on school grounds, they must be open to the public outside of school hours.

The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes. However, based on the limited information provided, this project may not be eligible for LEADER funding as projects for schools are ineligible for LEADER funding.

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

I would encourage the Deputy to engage with my colleague Ms. Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Education and Youth who would have information regarding potential funding for the use of this building for educational purposes.