Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will include costly water connection charges for funding on applications under the Community Centre Investment Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8275/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Community Centre Investment Fund was first introduced in 2022 in recognition of the challenges being faced by community groups all around the country in raising funds to invest in their community centres. These facilities are invaluable assets for both rural and urban areas, and they need ongoing investment if they are to continue to be functional and fit for purpose.
Many of them are older buildings that need upgrade works and modernisation. In addition, there are other areas with no functional community centre at all. That is why the scheme to date has funded both refurbishment of existing centres, and the development of new build centres.
The 2023 Community Centre Investment Fund scheme provided funding of up to €6 million for new community centres on green or brownfield sites. Over €30 million was approved for the construction of 12 new community centres covering nine counties under the fund.
These new build projects involve considerable levels of investment. As with any large construction project, the eligible costs consist of many different elements including professional fees, constructions costs, equipment and fit-out, and service connections for electricity, water and sewage.
All of these different project elements, including water connection charges, should be identified in the project application. These costs are confirmed again before approval is given for the project to go to tender and finally before the award of contract to the successful tenderer. It is a matter for the lead partner for the project and the community group to manage these project elements and associated costs.
My focus for 2026 is to deliver a new round of CCIF that will support refurbishments works on existing community centres. The details of this will be confirmed in the coming months.
