I am aware of the current situation in Huntstown Community Centre and I know how important the centre is to the community there.
Community facilities are funded from a range of different sources across different Government Departments and agencies. The supports provided by my Department help people to participate in the development of their communities and also provide funding to improve community facilities.
For example, my Department has provided funding of €184,264 to Huntstown Community Centre in 2019 under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The CSP currently supports more than 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. Funding is provided as a fixed annual contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions. In total, the CSP has allocated €552,792 to this centre from 2018 to the end of 2020.
Separately, my Department funds the Community Enhancement Programme which helps community groups to improve facilities in their area. In 2018 the Huntstown Community Centre received €3,500 towards building upgrades.
I understand that Fingal County Council, is aware of the fire safety issues with Huntstown Community Centre, which is owned by the local community. The Council is arranging to meet with the Centre Manager and local Councillors to explore what supports can be offered.
