Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
79. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when new projects will be approved this year under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2023 (New Build) scheme; when the next call will be made under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41290/23]
View answerThis Government recognises the important role that community centres play in community life in Ireland, particularly in bringing people together and engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.
With this in mind, I have 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 new Community Centres Investment Fund.
The response to last year’s Fund was phenomenal. Over €45.8 million was allocated to refurbish over 860 community centres across the country making them safer, more accessible and more enjoyable places for families and communities.
My aim under the 2023 round of funding is to support communities with shovel-ready plans to build new community centres. I was delighted to announce a €20 million fund to support this initiative.
Following the July 3rd deadline for applications, I can confirm that 22 applications have been submitted in relation to The Community Centre Investment Fund 2023 (New Build). These applications are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in quarter one of 2024.
I am committed to ensuring that there is clear support in place for community centres across the range of schemes referenced above, and decisions in relation to any further iterations of the Community Centre Investment Fund will be taken in the context of the upcoming annual budgetary process.
