Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
623. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has received an application from a group (details supplied) via the community centres investment fund; if she recognises the importance of the organisation to Ballina and the strength of their funding application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6088/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity centres are the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and urban areas around the country. This Government recognises the important role they play in community life in Ireland, bringing people together and providing a space to engage with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.
With this in mind, I have put in place an integrated programme of supports for the establishment and development of community centres across schemes such as CLÁR, LEADER, the Community Support Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and of course the new Community Centres Investment Fund.
The 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.
Following on from this investment, I wanted to assist community groups who are striving to build their own community centre to service their local needs. That is why, in 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds.
Last year, I announced a €20 million fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites for the construction of new community centres. These shovel ready projects have all necessary planning and consents secured so they are already at an advanced stage and ready to commence following a tender process. This fund targets areas without an appropriate facility to meet their community’s needs.
The deadline for receipt of applications for the new build measure has now passed and I was very pleased with the response to this new initiative. In total, twenty-two applications for new build community centres were received by my Department.
I can confirm that an application for the project referenced by the Deputy has been received seeking investment of over €1.1 million from the fund. The assessment of all of the applications is almost complete and I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.
