Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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894. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available for the maintenance of community halls and theatres. [13459/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has a number of capital programmes designed to support community groups with capital funding towards the renovation and upgrade of community halls and theatres.

The Community Centre Investment Fund provides funding towards capital costs for the refurbishment of community centres and other community facilities, such as theatres, that are open to and used by a broad range of groups. Under the 2024 iteration of the fund, over €33 million has been approved for works on over 770 projects nationwide

The CLÁR programme supports a wide range of community facilities and amenities, and the 2025 programme will be launched shortly. The LEADER Programme may fund community halls and theatres for costs associated with construction, refurbishment, machinery or equipment.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is designed to support the revitalisation and resilience of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration. Project supported under the scheme includes bringing vacant and derelict buildings such as community centres/halls back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation. Applications are now invited from local authorities for projects in their areas. This scheme is currently open for applications.

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides funding to assist community groups across the country with particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The LEP 2025 is now closed to applicants with details of successful projects expected to be announced in May.

Finally, the Community Recognition Fund has supported community facilities across the country since it was first introduced in 2023. This fund is currently closed to applications with announcements on successful projects under the third and final phase of the 2024 scheme due in the coming months.

Details of all of these programmes are available on my Department's website.

Organisations may also wish to contact their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) to seek advice and support in respect of any funds available from the local authority towards the maintenance of community facilities, such as community halls and theatres.