Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
54. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding is available for the construction of new community centres and when the details of a scheme will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8755/22]
View answerMy Department provides a number of funding streams for the improvement and development of Community Centres throughout the country.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications in December 2021, with a closing date for applications of 29th April.
Funding for projects may be available through the LEADER Transitional programme. This will cover the period 2021-2022, and came into effect on the 1 April 2021 for new project applications. The LEADER programme is administered by local action groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional area around the country.
Separately, a new capital fund for the upgrade of community centres was referenced in the National Development Plan. Indicative funding of €5m has been secured for this under Budget 2022. It is envisaged that the capital fund will support the upgrade and refurbishment of existing community buildings in urban and rural areas.
The details of this capital scheme are currently being developed within my Department. It will be launched in Q1 2022, further details will be announced in due course.
