Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
89. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the support her Department is providing for the Tullow Road Community Hub in Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41337/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was warmly welcomed the length and breadth of the country. Over €45.8 million has been committed to the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland through this fund.
Following on from this, I wanted to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs, so this year the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund has moved to new builds.
In March, I announced a €20 million Fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites to build new community centres. This Measure will target areas which do not have an appropriate facility to meet the needs of their area. The deadline for receipt of applications was 3rd July and the assessment process has now commenced.
I can confirm that Carlow County Council has submitted an application in relation to the Tullow Road Development, with €4,135,178 being sought from the fund. This application is currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in quarter one 2024.
