Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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756. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht whether funding schemes exist to support the development of gym facilities on rugby club grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53063/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department implements a number of schemes which support the development of gyms and other community sporting facilities that are not privately owned and are widely available for community use. This includes support through the CLÁR Programme, LEADER, the Local Enhancement Programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Measure 1 of the CLÁR programme provides funding for community recreation facilities and amenities, including gyms. The CLÁR 2025 is now closed and my officials are currently assessing the applications submitted under measure 1. I hope to announce the successful projects shortly. A new iteration of the scheme will open again next year.

The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a range of themes, including rural infrastructure and social inclusion themes. For many years it has supported projects submitted by clubs and community groups relating to sporting facilities.

The Local Enhancement Programme provides funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas nationwide. Gyms and sporting facilities may be eligible to apply under the programme. The programme is administered by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority

Gyms and other community sporting infrastructure can also be funded through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) as part of larger projects aimed at the rejuvenation of our towns and villages. The 2025 TVRS closed to applications on 25 July 2025 and the assessment process is ongoing.

Details of all funding available can be found on my Departments website.