Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
907. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding is available from her Department for the construction of a building for a group (details supplied) in Oranmore, County Galway in which a suitable site is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38832/22]
View answerMy Department provides supports for organisations such as the one referred to by the Deputy under a number of schemes, depending on the exact works being completed. They include the following:
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS)
- The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since its launch in 2016 almost €113 million has been allocated to over 1,400 projects across Ireland.
- The 2022 TVRS places particular emphasis on projects supporting bringing vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multipurpose spaces.
- Priority A1 provides for projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multipurpose spaces, such as enterprise spaces, arts, tourism, youth hubs and other community uses.
- Priority A2 provides for new build community centres (where there is a clearly identified and defined need in a town or village that cannot be met with an existing premises).
- Applications for TVRS may be made by sending an expression of interest to the local authority who prepare applications for submission to the Department. The deadline for submission of applications to TVRS 2022 is 22nd July 2022.
LEADER
- Funding may be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project referred to by the Deputy. LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country.
- Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, one of which is Social Inclusion.
- In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
- Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on the Gov.ie website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.
Community Centres Investment Fund
- I launched the Community Centres Investment Fund on the 15th April 2022. This is a €15million fund to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and development of their existing community centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the country.
- It should be noted that the development of new community centres is not covered by the Fund.
- Funding will be on the basis of a competitive assessment process. Guidelines and a sample application form are available at www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/.
- Applications can be made up until the closing date of Thursday 14th July 2022 at 3:00pm.
