Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
141. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to ensure that every community has appropriate amenities to support community development and living standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38227/26]
View answerMy Department operates a range of schemes aimed a supporting the provision of amenities to support community development. It does so in partnership with Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), and community and voluntary organisations, with these amenities providing key community, social, recreational and cultural hubs across the country.
Of particular importance for communities is the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), which was established in 2022, provides capital funding for the upgrade and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres in both urban and rural communities. The 2026 CCIF will focus on the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres, and the online application portal will open on May 29th.
In addition, the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), which is administered at local level, provides small scale support for community infrastructure, in particular for disadvantaged communities.
In rural areas the range of rural development programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Town and Village Renewal and LEADER all provide opportunities for communities to develop or improve amenities in their areas. In addition the CLÁR Programme provides funding for projects such as playgrounds, transport for meals on wheels groups, and small infrastructural amenities in specific rural areas.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports a range of community organisations and social enterprises that deliver essential local services and manage community facilities. Ongoing support is also provided through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which assists disadvantaged communities through capacity building, social inclusion initiatives and community engagement.
I am confident these schemes, delivered in co-operation with local authorities, LCDCs and community groups, help to ensure appropriate amenities for communities across the country.
