Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
366. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if projects in County Cavan are to benefit from the community centres investment fund – new builds measure 2023 and if so, to provide details of the project and amount to be received. [43299/23]
View answer368. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if projects in south County Monaghan are to benefit from the community centres investment fund – new builds measure 2023; and if so, to provide details of the project and amount to be received. [43301/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 368 together.
In 2022 I launched the new Community Centres Investment Fund, and this new initiative 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 through this fund.
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 Fund 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 and the assessment process has now commenced.
I can confirm that no application was received to develop a new community centre in county Cavan under this scheme while one application was received from Monaghan in respect of Rockcorry Community Centre. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in quarter one 2024.
