Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
781. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if disused public buildings will be offered to an organisation (details supplied) in cases in which they are suitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports to the organisations referred to by the Deputy.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current scheme runs from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2022. The organisation referenced (national office) was allocated €270,000 over the three year period of the scheme.
In 2021, Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provided funding of €4.5m for small capital grants to community groups to enhance their facilities and towards the re-opening of facilities. 68 of the organisations referred by the Deputy have received funding to the value of over €126,000 from the 2021 Programme. The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, although details of this programme are not yet confirmed. Updates will be available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/drcd the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for further details on the programme.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to over 200 of the organisations in question since 2018, with small grants totalling over €98,000 awarded. This support is still is available from SICAP.
Regarding disused public buildings, my Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit and has seen over 1400 projects benefit from over €113 million in funding since its inception.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the current scheme prioritises the purchase and/or renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use as multi-purpose spaces. This includes former state owned property that is no longer being used and is made available to the community. Multi-purpose use includes enterprise spaces, arts, tourism, youth hubs and other community uses. I hope to launch the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme shortly and interested applicants, such as the organisation mentioned, should engage with their local authority on any potential projects that might meet the scheme objectives.
In addition, I recently announced the Community Centres Investment Fund. This new capital fund, with a budget of €15m, will support community groups with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. The fund will open to applications on the 7th June 2022 and close on the 14th July 2022. Further details are available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
Funding may also be available through the €70 million LEADER Transitional Programme. This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, came into effect on the 1 April 2021 for new project applications.
