Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
659. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that funding for community groups and youth centres and so on, will be increased to reflect the significant impacts that inflation and energy costs have been having on these centres and services in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45018/22]
View answerI am acutely aware of the increase in cost of living and impacts of inflation and rising costs in recent months, and my Department continues to support communities throughout Ireland to ensure they remain vibrant and sustainable.
My Department delivers a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support urban and rural communities including sports clubs, youth groups and voluntary and community groups.
These supports include, amongst others, the Community Centres Investment Fund, the Community Services Programme, Community & Voluntary Supports programme, Community Activities Fund, Community Enhancement Programme, Empowering Communities Fund and the Scheme to Support National Organisations.
Through the Dormant Account Fund which my Department manages across government departments €12 million has been provided to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in 2022 for various sporting measures.
Just this week I announced funding of over €2.75 million for 74 community projects nationwide. This funding, under the CLÁR Programme, will provide sports clubs, schools and community groups with grants of up to €50,000 to develop a range of projects that will benefit people of all ages. The successful projects include astroturf pitches, community gyms, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor pool tables, outdoor cinemas, walkways, public toilets and car park facilities.
All my Department’s policies are underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and urban stakeholder groups, community groups, young people, Government Departments and State Agencies. This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on rural and urban communities, and assists my Department in identifying the appropriate response needed.
