Thomas Gould
Question:37. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the redevelopment plan for a community centre (details supplied). [52755/26]
View answerTuesday, 14 July 2026
Questions (37)
Written answers
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible community spaces that are available to all groups in communities in both rural and urban areas.
Through the CCIF, 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.
The 2023 CCIF was opened specifically for applications from community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs. This 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.
I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on the 26th March 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.
I understand that the proposal referred to by the Deputy is seeking to develop a new build community centre. I expect to announce a new iteration of CCIF for new build community centres next year and the community may wish to avail of this.
In the meantime, I note that substantial levels of investment in community facilities is also available through schemes such as LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Details on all these programmes are available on my department's website.