Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1622. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if grants are available to communities to refurbish parish halls; if the halls in question are owned by the parish or dioceses and not on a long-term lease to the community; the steps, if any need to be taken to ensure that communities can apply for grants in this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13661/23]
View answerMy Department recognises the vital role that community centres, play at the heart of each community in bringing people together, engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged, and building stronger, more coherent communities. Under Our Rural Future there are a number of avenues open to community groups to refurbish these buildings include the CLÁR Programme, the Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF), the Community Recognition Fund (CRF), the LEADER Programme and the Community Support Fund.
The CLÁR Programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. The CLÁR 2022 programme awarded a record €12.2 million with 292 projects supported under the Programme. One of these measures was focused on the development of community facilities and amenities including refurbishment of halls. Measures for inclusion in the CLÁR Programme are reviewed each year. I am happy to confirm details of the 2023 program will also be announced in the coming weeks.
In 2022, I launched a new fund, the Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF). Following competitive assessment, I was pleased to announce significant investment of over €45 million in 858 projects. I was delighted to secure an additional €21m in Budget 2023 for a new round of the CCIF. The focus now will be on "new builds". The details of the 2023 scheme are currently being developed and I hope to issue a call for applications in the coming weeks.
My Department launched the €50m Community Recognition Fund (CRF) earlier this year. This fund is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants. The Fund will support the development of facilities that will be used by all members of the community. It provides funding for enhancement to parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community. Local authorities have submitted funding proposals to my Department which are currently being assessed.
The LEADER Programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in 'Our Rural Future'. The LEADER programme is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. A feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development. Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including the Social Inclusion Theme in the current LEADER programme or the Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion theme in the 2023-2027 programme. Funding for community facilities may be available under these 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 in the sub-regional area concerned, 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 LAGs, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department’s website.
Finally, the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides funding to community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a focus on areas of disadvantage. Funding is provided to each local authority, and the programme is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) on the basis of local need. The €10 million Community Support Fund, launched in 2022 is a new fund under the CEP, which is assisting community groups across the country deal with rising energy and operational costs such as electricity bills and insurance costs. Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade or refurbishment works and purchase equipment.
It is a requirement of the various funding streams that any funded facility is open to use by all members of the community. Different conditions apply to the various Schemes but in the main applications for funding are made by, or in partnership with, a local community group. The applicant must own the facility or have a 15 year lease for the facility.
