Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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2599. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if any funding is available for the development of sensory gardens for schools in urban areas; and, if so, whether they can be outlined. [19420/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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While the provision of school facilities is a matter for my colleague Helen McEntee, Minister for Education, I am also very aware of the importance of sensory gardens in our communities. My Department supports such facilities through the CLÁR Programme, the Local Enhancement Programme, the LEADER programme, the Community Recognition Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In some instances, such facilities can be supported on school grounds where they are fully and freely available to the general public.

The CLÁR programme provides funding for community recreation facilities and amenities, including sensory gardens. I launched the CLÁR 2025 programme on 4 April this year. The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a range of themes, including rural infrastructure and social inclusion themes. LEADER has for many years supported sensory gardens. However, schools funded in any way by the Department of Education are ineligible for LEADER funding. LEADER is now open for applications.

Since 2023, €100 million has been allocated through the Community Recognition Fund to support community facilities, and a large number of multi-use gaming areas, playgrounds and sensory gardens have been funded.

The Local Enhancement Programme provides funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas nationwide, and similarly sensory gardens can be supported. The programme is administered by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority.

Sensory gardens and other community infrastructure can also be funded through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme as part of larger projects aimed at the rejuvenation of our towns and villages. I launched the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 19 March 2025.

Details of all funding available can be found on my Department's website.