Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
820. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is any funding available to support community centres purchasing sports equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10475/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department delivers a range of investment programmes which, depending on the exact equipment being purchased, may be relevant for community centres wishing to purchase sporting equipment.
My Department administers the Community Recognition Fund which recognises the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Funding of €50 million for some 900 projects is supporting towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. Through this initiative, communities are being assisted to develop projects such as large-scale multi-purpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals.
Discussions are ongoing with regard to introducing a second iteration of the scheme to further assist impacted communities. My officials are advancing this work and I expect to make an announcement shortly.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024, with capital funding of €6 million, aims to provide supports that are essential for small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas. There is a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. Each LCDC is advertising the fund and I would encourage all groups to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply.
The CLÁR Programme also provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Since the Programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures.
The CLÁR 2023 programme was delivered under 3 separate measures. The first measure provided support for developing new community facilities and amenities, and I expanded this last year to include infrastructure facilities at sports clubs.
Funding of over €13 million was provided for over 300 projects under CLÁR 2023. It included supports for a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks, and community gyms.
Each year I review the focus of the scheme and I will shortly be giving consideration to the measures to be included in the 2024 CLÁR programme in advance of its launch in the coming months.
Lastly, the LEADER programme may also be in a position to assist. LEADER is administered in each area by Local Action Groups, the details of which are available on my Department's website.
