Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to launch an infrastructure scheme for youth clubs based on the community infrastructure fund for community centres. [13722/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the importance of providing appropriate community and youth facilities across the country. Funding is available for community facilities, including those used by youth clubs, under a range of schemes provided by my Department.

Under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), which was established in 2022, funding of over €109 million has been approved for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified. Applications from youth organisations are welcome under the fund, provided that the facility to be funded is open to and used by the wider community.

Other potential funding options supported by my Department include the LEADER programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLÁR programme. LEADER is currently open for applications through LEADER Local Action Groups around the country and I recently opened the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for applications via local authorities. I also expect to announce a new round of CLÁR in the coming weeks.

Details of these and other schemes are available on my Department’s website.