Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
771. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a new community centres investment fund - improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres is to be announced and open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16143/24]
View answerI have prioritised the development and enhancement of community centres across the country as they are a vital resource for any community. They are where we go for community activities and events, and for social supports and social interaction. They are home to many of our cultural and sporting clubs. They are also where communities come together in times of difficulty and in times of celebration.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund in particular, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland. There was a huge uptake of this funding and communities are now enjoying the 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.
Last year I announced a new €20 million fund to support communities with shovel-ready projects on green or brownfield sites for the construction of new community centres. I'm pleased to note that the project assessment process is nearing conclusion and I hope to shortly announce the successful projects. I will, of course, then give consideration to the need for further funding for community centres in the context of available funding.
