Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
107. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he plans to increase funding for community projects such as community centres, parks and sports pitches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38228/26]
View answerMy Department has invested substantial levels of funding in community infrastructure in recent years and this investment is set to continue.
For example, under the Community Centre Investment Fund, over €112 million has already been allocated to community centres through this fund since 2022. The online portal for applications under a new round of the fund focused on refurbishment works will open next week.
Funding for the CLÁR programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has also increased by €1 million each this year.
My Department’s CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects including renovations to community centres, improved accessibility at sports pitches and the provision of community gardens, sensory spaces and multi-use games areas in parks.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland and this can include projects that support the development of parks and outdoor amenities
My Department’s Community Recognition Fund, which has provided €100 million to communities welcoming new arrivals to Ireland, has also invested in a range of sports clubs, community centres and parks throughout the country.
The current LEADER programme has funding of €180 million over the period from 2023 to 2027. It has for many years supported community projects such as community centres, parks, and sports pitches.
Full details of all funding programmes administered by my Department are available on my Department’s website. Of course, funding for sports pitches is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, Mr. Patrick O'Donovan, TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport. I understand that his Department will be opening a call for further sports funding in the coming months.
