Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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891. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the discussions or communications had between his Department and Dublin City Council regarding the lack of community halls in Dublin's Liberties, given that one hall has been a homeless shelter for nearly ten years and another has sat vacant since a fire damaged it nearly five years ago. [13433/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides a range of financial supports to communities across a broad suite of programmes, and many of these programmes have provided important supports to community halls across the country in recent years.

Under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), my Department has provided funding of over €4.5 million towards the refurbishment of 66 community halls within the Dublin City region since 2022. I am committed to ensuring this becomes a permanent rolling fund as outlined in the Programme for Government.

Under the Community Recognition Fund (CRF), almost €2 million has also been approved to date in the Dublin City region to support enhancement and refurbishment work on 14 community facilities. Officials in my Department have liaised with Dublin City Council and continue to do so in relation to the selection and delivery of projects under the CRF.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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892. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports offered for upgrading and maintenance of playground facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13438/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Applications for the delivery and upgrade of playgrounds are welcome under a number of schemes operated by my Department such as the CLÁR Programme, the LEADER programme, and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. It supports a wide range of community facilities and amenities, including playgrounds. I hope to launch the 2025 programme in the coming weeks.

The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes. The decision to approve a project for LEADER funding is a matter for the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who administer the Programme on behalf of the Department. Prospective applicants can contact the LAG in their area to discuss potential projects.

The 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which I launched on 19 March, is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration. This includes the development of recreational spaces/amenities, such as playgrounds in town centres. Applications are now invited from Local Authorities for projects in their areas.

Further information on all of these schemes is available on my Department's website.

The Deputy may also wish to contact my colleague, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in respect of the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation delivered by her Department.