Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
658. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the application process for the 2024 Community Centres Investment Fund is open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7997/24]
View answerCommunity Centres are the cornerstone of community life in towns and villages around the country. This Government recognises the important role that these centres play in bringing people together and facilitating community services and events.
I have prioritised the development and enhancement of Community Centres across the country.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund in particular, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland. There was a huge uptake of this funding and over 860 different projects are seeing improvements to the fabric of their community centres as a result of this Government initiative.
Following on from this investment, I wanted to assist community groups who are striving to build their own community centre to service their local needs. That is why, in 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds. The assessment of these applications is almost complete and I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.
A decision in respect of any further iteration of the Community Centre Investment Fund will be made after the announcement of the successful new build community centre projects.
