Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
22. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding provided through the Community Centre Investment Fund in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62071/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations at the moment and I was delighted to secure €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 to continue the Community Centres Investment Fund.
The huge interest in this fund in 2022 shows how important community centres are for communities throughout Ireland. This Government is committed to providing funding to improve and upgrade these centres which will allow them to continue to provide vital services for communities.
Under the 2022 fund, applications were invited under 3 Categories with funding of up to €300,000 available:
- Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities up to €25,000
- Category 2: Larger scale projects €25,001 to €100,000
- Category 3: Major projects €100,001 to €300,000
On October 12th, I announced over €12.5 million in funding for 580 successful Category 1 applicants. On December 8th, I was delighted to announce a further €33 million in funding for 278 successful Category 2 and 3 applicants. Details of the successful applicants are available on my Department’s website, www.gov.ie/drcd.
It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted towards 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 I hope to launch the fund in quarter 1 of 2023.
