Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
354. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Community Centre Investment Fund will be opened again in 2023; if there are any other funding streams available to groups that were unable to submit their application for the Fund before the deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36780/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced the Community Centres Investment Fund on the 15th April 2022. This is a new capital fund of €15 million for 2022 to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade of their community centre facilities.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 14th July 2022 at 3:00pm. I would urge any community group that still has questions about their application, to submit any queries to CCIF@drcd.gov.ie and attend the final online support clinic which is taking place on Monday, 11th July from 12:30pm – 2:00pm. Applicants must register to attend this support clinic and details are available at www.gov.ie/drcd. No decision has been made to date regarding the opening of this fund for further applications in 2023.
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.
I encourage all organisations to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd and to keep in touch with their Local Community Development Committee for information on funding opportunities.
