James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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608. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects relating to neurodiversity that have received funding from schemes under his Department, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22228/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department supports a wide range of projects which provide essential and accessible facilities in towns and villages all across Ireland. The Department places a strong focus on ensuring that our schemes benefit all members of our communities including people who are neurodivergent. Details of the thousands of projects supported by my Department are available at Funding allocated by the department,

Of particular importance in this regard is our work supporting public libraries as a central part of the community, the CLÁR programme, and the Community Recognition Fund.

The current National Library Strategy, The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration states: “Public libraries will improve life opportunities for all and address social and health inequality by providing access, free of charge, to assistive technologies, literacy resources and sensory equipment.”

My Department supports the provision of sensory related services and equipment in public libraries, through the Libraries Capital Funding subhead. Additionally, funding has been provided under the respective Dormant Accounts Action Plans between 2019 and 2024, to further support the public library service and this included allocations for libraries programming and equipment relating to neurodiversity. The types of projects supported include the provision of Tovertafel Magic Tables, sensory toys, sensory workshops, social stories book bags, ASD signage, sensory spaces, and sensory gardens & pods. Details of all library funding, including specific sensory funding in 2020 and ongoing Dormant Accounts funding, can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development/collections/libraries-development-funding-allocations/

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas. The programme provides funding for community recreation facilities and amenities which often include sensory gardens and spaces which may be of benefit to neurodiverse members of our communities. Since 2017 the CLÁR programme has provided over €3 million to almost 80 such projects, details of which are attached.

The Community Recognition Fund was introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting new arrivals coming to Ireland. The Community Recognition Fund has supported a range of community infrastructure, including for the development of sensory gardens and play areas. To date 29 such projects have received over €2.1 million funding. Details of these are also attached.