Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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615. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for a list of all grants and funding available for community centres and sports organisations; the opening date for each, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22763/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The development and enhancement of community centres across the country is a priority for me and this Government. Full details of the supports available within my Department, including those for community centres, can be accessed at This information also outlines the eligibility criteria for each scheme, including the type of organisations who can apply for funds, be they a sporting or other organisations.

The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) has provided in excess of €109 million in capital funding 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 under the 2024 fund. The application window for CCIF 2024 has now closed. A decision in respect of the next round of the fund will be made later in the year, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund.

The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was introduced in 2023 to recognise efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. To date €100 million has been allocated to support cities, towns and villages and has included funding for projects related to community centres and sports organisations.

The Government continues to look at how we can further support impacted towns and villages across a range of different schemes and services. Any decision in respect of a further round of funding under the Community Recognition Fund will be considered in the context of those deliberations and the annual budgetary process.

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas. The programme provides funding for community recreation facilities and amenities, including community centres and sports facilities.

Measure 1 of the programme, Developing Community Facilities & Amenities was launched on 4 April 2025, with a closing date for returns by local authorities to my Department of 13 June. As this measure is administered by the local authorities, potential applicants are encouraged to check their local authority’s website for specific details on closing dates locally for submission of applications.

The current LEADER Programme runs to 2027 and is now up and running across the country. It supports a broad range of enterprises and community groups, including community centres and sports organisations, to develop projects which improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas. It is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland who have responsibility for the selection and approval of projects. Further information, including projects that have previously been allocated funding and contact details for LAGs, is available on www.gov.ie/LEADER.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is designed to support the revitalisation and resilience of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration. TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses in developing proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages. Projects which support the development of recreational spaces and amenities, which can include outdoor sports facilities such as skate parks, basketball courts and tennis courts in town centres are also eligible for funding.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. Funding under the RRDF is made available for community centres and is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.

The fourth Call for Category 2 RRDF applications was launched in October 2024 and typically provides funding of up to €1m per project. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14 March 2025. Following the assessment of applications, I anticipate an announcement of successful projects will be made in Quarter 3 this year. In relation to Category 1 RRDF funding, it is my intention that a Call for Proposals would be opened towards the end of this year.