Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
36. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends introducing a new scheme for the development of new community centres where there is a clear community need for same due to population increases; if there will be a pre-planning requirement and a requirement of co-funding from the local authority for such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49613/23]
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, 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 and the assessment process has now commenced.
I am happy to confirm that twenty-two applications under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2023 are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in quarter one 2024. Once the current round of funding has been finalised, I will then give consideration to the need for, and conditions that might be attached to, any further iterations of the scheme in the context of the available funding.
