Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
960. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if consideration will be given to widening the Community Centres Investment Fund to include a strand specifically for communities to establish a community centre when none currently exists; if her Department has identified the locations that might benefit from this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18025/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centres Investment Fund will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and development of their existing community centre facilities. This fund is not intended for the construction of new buildings.
However, my Department provides a number of other funding streams which can be used for the improvement and development of Community Centres throughout the country.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications in December 2021, with a closing date for applications of 29 April 2022.
Funding for community centre projects may also be available through the LEADER Transitional programme. This covers the period 2021-2022, and came into effect on 1 April 2021 for new project applications. The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the county.
