Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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730. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht considering the reduction of regeneration funding in Limerick with the completion of the programme and specifically the phasing out of Economic Social Intervention Funding, if he will allocate additional funding for a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68096/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Economic Social Intervention Fund is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

At the same time, my Department continues to prioritise investment in community infrastructure across the country. The Community Centre Investment Fund was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and for the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.

I am committed to delivering further iterations of the fund in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. A new iteration of the scheme is expected to be in place next year to further support community centres such as the one referred to by the deputy.

My Department also supports community facilities with enhancement works through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage any interested organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.