Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1279. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider amending the Community Centres Investment Fund to assist communities to purchase buildings in their area (details supplied). [10177/26]
View answerSince becoming Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure. As part of Budget 2026, I was delighted to announce increased funding for the programmes that are delivering on this priority. This includes an increase in the annual budget for the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) by €3 million to €20 million.
The CCIF was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.
Currently CCIF does not fund the purchase of buildings. However, I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. My officials are currently finalising the details of the next call for applications under the fund, which will focus on refurbishment to existing community centres. It is intended to open this call for application in the coming months with a view to announcing successful projects before the end of the year.
In addition, my Department supports community facilities through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) was launched under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2022 to allow local authorities to purchase vacant and derelict buildings for future development as community assets. Following the success of the measure in 2022 it was made available again in 2023 to purchase vacant and derelict buildings to bring them back into use as multi-purpose community spaces. In 2025 the measure was reviewed and broadened to permit additional types of acquisitions, becoming the Building or Land Acquisition Measure (BLAM).
I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
