Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
90. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider establishing a dedicated grant scheme for the maintenance and upgrading of community playgrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41419/23]
View answerMy Department recognises the importance of playgrounds in communities throughout Ireland and, as such, applications for the delivery and upgrade of playgrounds are welcome under a number of schemes operated by my Department. In addition, I am aware that my Department indirectly supports the maintenance and upgrading of many playgrounds, parks and other public amenities through the assistance we provide to local community groups.
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. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures, including investment in playgrounds. Measure 1 of the 2023 CLÁR programme focuses on developing community facilities and amenities, with applications currently being assessed. The Departments Town and Village Renewal Scheme also provides funding avenues, with playground facilities often forming part of wider amenity projects put forward for funding.
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 playgrounds 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 Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department’s website.
Under the Community Recognition Fund, my Department approved €50 million to over 880 projects in May 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. The proposals range in scale of less than €1,000 to €1 million and include large scale multi-purpose sports facilities, upgrades to community facilities, equipment for sports clubs, walks, playgrounds, community buses and equipment for festivals.
