Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
733. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether she plans to roll out further grants for existing community centres to assist with maintenance and upgrades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32207/23]
View answerCommunity centres are the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and urban areas around the country. This Government recognises the important role they play in community life in Ireland, bringing people together and engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.
With this in mind, my Department has put in place an integrated programme of supports for the establishment and development of community centres across schemes such as CLÁR, LEADER, the Community Support Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and of course the Community Centres Investment Fund which provides a specific funding line to support centres.
The focus of the 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland. Over €45.8 million has been committed to this important refurbishment work.
This year the focus of the Fund moved to new builds. I want to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs. In March, I was delighted to announce a €20 million Fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites to build new community centres.
This Measure will target areas which do not have an appropriate facility to meet the needs of their area. The minimum grant funding available is €1 million with the maximum being €6 million. The deadline for receipt of applications was 3rd July.
The refurbishment or upgrade of an existing building can be funded under my Department’s Town & Village Renewal Scheme, the LEADER Programme, CLÁR Programme, or the Community Support Fund and I expect to open the Town & Village Renewal Scheme to new applications in the coming days.
