Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
11. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps his Department is taking to support the development of community and civic spaces in suburbs of Dublin city, such as Dundrum, to support local communities and ensure access to services and cohesion in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68504/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has developed a range of funding schemes and interventions which support access to services and build cohesion in communities across the country. While many of my Department's schemes are focussed on rural areas, others support both rural and urban communities. These include,
• the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme;
• the Community Services Programme;
• the Community Centre Investment Fund;
• the Community Recognition Fund, and;
• the Local Enhancement Programme.
My Department’s SICAP programme is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in Ireland through supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches. Southside Partnership implements SICAP in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown which includes Dundrum in its catchment area.
My Department has also approved significant capital investment in Dundrum to support the development of community spaces:
• Over €39,000 was allocated to develop the Rosemount Family Resource Centre under Community Centre Investment Fund since 2022.
• €99,000 has been allocated to the upgrade of the Patrick Doyle Road playground in Dundrum under the Community Recognition Fund.
• Also under the Community Recognition Fund, €146,000 has been approved for an upgrade to Balally Scout Den.
I would also note that the Local Enhancement Programme has provided small grants to a number of organisations within the Dundrum area, supporting activities including Men's Sheds and the provision of youth services.
Given it's location, Dundrum is eligible for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am aware that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have been approved for funding of €4.3 million for a new Dundrum Community Hub.
I understand that the local authority has recently submitted the preliminary business case for this project and that this is currently under review by officials in that Department.
