Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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870. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if and when an appeals process for unsuccessful CCIF applications under measure 2 will commence; the guidelines for the appeals of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15464/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Centre Investment Fund has provided in excess of €109 million since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres.

Over €33 million has now been approved for in excess of 770 projects nationwide under the 2024 fund. However, given the very significant level of demand, not all applications were successful.

Correspondence has issued to all ineligible applicants outlining the rational for the decision to deem them ineligible and providing details in respect of the appeals process.

Correspondence has also issued to all eligible applicants who reached the minimum scoring threshold required to be eligible for consideration but did not score high enough to be successful on this occasion. This correspondence outlines the opportunity for applicants to avail of a feedback call to discuss the appraisal of their application and areas where the application can be strengthened. The appeals process will also be explained to them as part of the feedback calls.

I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. In addition, all unsuccessful groups may wish to explore other potential funding options supported by my Department, including the LEADER programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLÁR programme. Details of these and other schemes are available on the Department’s website.