Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
87. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 2101 of 11 September 2023, the details of the State-funded bodies in respect of whom applications for the 2023 community centres investment fund were received by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41373/23]
View answerThis Government recognises the important role that community centres play in community life in Ireland, 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 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was warmly welcomed the length and breadth of the country. Over €45.8 million has been committed to the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland.
Following on from this, I wanted to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs, so this year the focus of the Community Centres Investment has moved to new builds.
In March, I announced 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 deadline for receipt of applications was 3rd July.
I am happy to confirm that 22 applications were received to my Department and a list of all the State Funded Bodies that have acted as lead parties to the applications are below. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in quarter one 2024.
Lead Party/State Funded Bodies
Carlow County Council
IRD Duhallow
Cork City Council
Fingal County Council
Galway City Council
Údarás an Gaeltachta
Galway County Council
Kerry County Council
Kildare County Council
Mayo North East Partnership
Meath County Council
Monaghan County Council
Offaly County Council
Sligo County Council
Waterford City & County Council
Wexford County Council
Wicklow County Council
