Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1575. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned to have a 2024 call for the Community Centres Investment Fund-New Builds Measure (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11859/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1576. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned to have a 2024 call for the Community Centres Investment Fund-Improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11860/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1575 and 1576 together.
Community centres are a vital resource for any community. They are where we go for community activities and events, and for social supports and social interaction. They are home to many of our cultural and sporting clubs. They are also where communities come together in times of difficulty and in times of celebration.
I have prioritised the development and enhancement of community centres across the country to improve access and provide suitable social spaces.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund in particular, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland. There was a huge uptake of this funding and communities are now enjoying the improvements to the fabric of their community centres as a result of this Government initiative.
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 new €20 million fund to support communities with shovel-ready projects on green or brownfield sites for the construction of new community centres.
The deadline for receipt of applications for the new build measure was 3rd July 2023. My Department received 22 applications to this fund from locations all around the country.
I'm pleased to note that the project approval process is almost concluded and I hope to announce the successful projects in the coming weeks. I will, of course, then give consideration to the need for further rounds of funding and indeed any conditions that might be attached to any further iterations of the scheme in the context of available funding.
