Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on his Department’s efforts dealing with rural isolation and loneliness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55994/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Addressing the issues of rural isolation and loneliness requires a range of responses across a number of Government Departments and agencies. This includes developing rural transport links, tackling social exclusion and addressing disadvantage. My Department has a number of schemes that help to address rural isolation and loneliness, often focussing on the value of communities and social inclusion within our communities.

My Department administers the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP). In June this year I announced that the €7 million provided for this scheme in 2025 will support almost 4,500 community groups delivering over 5,400 individual projects. These projects include support for social clubs, choirs and sports clubs. The scheme also supports Men’s and Women’s Sheds, which play an important role in reducing isolation. Additionally, in May, I announced €1 million in funding for Men’s Sheds. This funding will provide grants of up to €3,000 for sheds across the country.

The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) is another important scheme which helps to ensure communities have the spaces they need for groups and activities. In March this year, I was delighted to announce funding of €26.1 million under the CCIF, which will deliver enhancement and refurbishment works on 369 community centres nationwide. In excess of €110 million has been approved under this fund since 2022.

The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) is also supporting investment in a wide range of projects to provide facilities for community engagement, including upgrades and enhancements to sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails, and playgrounds. Last June, I announced funding of €17 million for 212 community projects nationwide through the CRF. This announcement brought the total funding approved under the CRF to €100 million, with over 1,450 projects approved for funding.

The Senior Alerts Scheme, provides grants for personal emergency alarms for older people. This scheme is supporting thousands of older people around the country to live in their own homes and communities with confidence.

Other supports such as those for Tidy Towns groups, Agricultural Shows, Public Libraries, the Community Services Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme all help to reduce social isolation and loneliness.