Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2024
222. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the community centre investment fund, for the years 2022, 2023 and the year to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43444/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund, almost €46 million was committed for the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland. There was a huge uptake of this funding and over 860 different projects are being delivered in centres the length and breadth of the country. I am happy to confirm that 61 projects totalling over €4.2 million were approved in Galway. These are outlined in the table at the link below.
In 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds. Earlier this year, funding of €30 million was approved for the construction of 12 new community centres covering nine counties. County Galway had two successful projects under this fund. Áras Lae, Maigh Cuilinn has been approved €6 million in grant aid and Newcastle Community Centre in Galway City was approved for over €4.3 million. Again, these are outlined in the table at the link.
The Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 will provide funding towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres. The window for applying for the scheme closed in early September. These applications are currently being assessed and I expect to begin announcing successful projects before the end of the year.
