Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
30. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update into the community centre investment fund; the status of all approved projects not yet drawn down; whether inflationary top-ups are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53059/26]
View answerThe Community Centre Investment Fund (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 €112 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.
Of the 861 refurbishment projects approved under CCIF 2022, 836 are now complete leaving only a small number to submit their final draw downs. Under CCIF 2024, which also focussed on refurbishment of existing facilities, 788 projects were approved for funding. Of these, 439 are now complete. The remaining projects are expected to progress to completion in the months ahead.
For the refurbishment projects, funding approvals are granted in the form of a maximum agreed grant amounts. Any cost overruns beyond the final agreed amount are met by the applicant or through agreed changes to the project that reduce costs to stay within the allocated funding.
I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on March 26th for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The closing date has now passed and the appraisal process has commenced. I look forward to announcing the successful projects later in the year.
Under the CCIF 2023, 12 new-build projects were approved indicative funding of €30.2 million in April 2024. Nine of these projects are now at construction stage with the remainder at design or tender stage. The projects at construction stage have a confirmed funding requirement of €24.5 million following detailed design and procurement compared to indicative funding of €23.1 million at initial approval stage. Much of this will have been related to the impact of construction inflation.
I am committed to ensuring that the CCIF continues to support the development of high quality community facilities across the country.
