Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
808. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is her desire to see the community centres fund open for applications again in 2023, given the success and popularity for this fund in 2022, and the need for such funding for many rural communities around Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53370/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the €15 million Community Centres Investment Fund in April 2022 and the fund closed to applications on Thursday 14th July 2022. The interest in the fund was extremely high, resulting in 1,048 applications being received under 3 Categories.
To date, over €12.5 million has been awarded to 580 successful Category 1 applicants. Details of the successful applicants are available on my department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
Due to the high level of applications to the fund, the appraisal process is currently ongoing for Category 2 and 3. It is expected to be later in quarter 4 of 2022 when applicants for these categories are notified of the outcome of the application and appraisal process.
I am delighted to inform the Deputy that I have secured €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 for a 2023 Community Centres Investment Fund. It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted for new build community centres as well as upgrades and improvements to existing centres. The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and further details will be announced in 2023.
