Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
128. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on her plans to increase community arts space across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32460/22]
View answerThe Community Centres Investment Fund is a new capital fund of €15 million which will provide funding for the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres in both urban and rural areas.
The fund closed to applications on the 14th July, 2022 and costs associated with improving the arts space in Community Centres are eligible under the fund. Details of successful applicants will be available on the Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd. Many applications under the fund are seeking improvements/renovations to spaces where arts related activities are taking place around the country.
Separately, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in 2016 and aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2022 Town & Village Renewal Scheme prioritises projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites in our town centres back into use as multi-purpose spaces. Multi-purpose spaces include such uses as enterprise spaces, arts, and other community uses.
The 2022 scheme closing date for applications was 22nd July 2022. Applications are currently being assessed as part of a competitive process and I expect to be in a position to announce successful projects later this year.
Funding may also be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project the deputy refers to. LEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-20202 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. 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 LAG, 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.
