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Community Development Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

Ceisteanna (951, 952)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

951. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the resources that are available to improve or maintain community centres for use in providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees. [18223/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

952. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding and resources that will be made available to community centres and buildings for continued humanitarian purposes, particularly with regard to a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18224/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 951 and 952 together.

I recently announced the Community Centres Investment Fund. This new capital fund, with a budget of €15m, will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the country. This fund has not yet opened to applications. Details will be available on www.gov.ie/drcd shortly.

My Department also runs a number of smaller capital schemes such as the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which provides small grants to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. Funding is allocated by my Department to each Local Authority area. Further details of the programme can be found on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/drcd.

With regard to the Ukrainian crisis, my Department is assisting with the humanitarian response by linking with key stakeholders at community level, providing information, assisting the co-ordination of supports through the community sector, and enabling flexibility in programme delivery to shift focus on the response to those arriving into communities.

Ukrainian arrivals in to the country who are seeking accommodation are being accommodated through the International Protection Accommodation Service. My Department will continue to liaise with them and offer any assistance we can – this is a fluid situation which will require a flexible approach.

The premises referenced by the Deputy is being managed by the local authority. The response to COVID-19 showed what we can achieve by working together: national government, local government, and community, voluntary and local development sectors. My Department is coordinating with all our stakeholders, including Local Development Companies, LCDCs, Volunteer Centres, Community Volunteers, and Public Participation Networks, to maximise the effectiveness of the response.

Question No. 952 answered with Question No. 951.
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