Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
932. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he can provide details of the proposed information sessions that will be open to community groups in the Drogheda region who are interested in applying for Community Centres Investment Fund 2026. [28315/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to communities in both rural and urban areas. Through the CCIF, some €111 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.
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 fund will open to online applications on 29th May and I will announce the successful projects before the end of the year.
The scheme guidelines, template application form, previous case studies and FAQ document are available on my Department's website.
My Department has also put in place a range of centralised supports for potential applicants under this fund, including information events and regular online clinics where applicants can directly ask any questions they may have in relation to their application. These direct supports are designed to ensure that local communities get the assistance they need to access available funding and to develop high quality applications.
Details of all events, including recordings of recent information sessions, are available on my Department's website at [Community Centres Investment Fund]. The next check-in clinic where applicants can ask specific questions is scheduled for 22nd April and a link to register for this clinic is also on my Department's website. These clinics will continue on a weekly basis until the online application process opens on 29th May and three times per week thereafter until the closing date for applications.
