Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
261. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the person or body that owns/runs the Walkinstown community centre; the grant, if any, provided to refurbish the centre; the plans open it to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28859/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main source of funding for refurbishment of community centres in city areas under my Department is the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF). CCIF was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to communities in both rural and urban areas.
Since 2022, 144 projects have been approved funding under CCIF in County Dublin with associated funding of €7.1m. I can confirm that, to date, Walkinstown Community Centre has not been awarded funding under the Community Centre Investment 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 fund will open to online applications on 29th May and I will announce the successful projects before the end of the year. I would encourage the centre to engage with the scheme for any funding needs it may have.
My Department also operates the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which provides small grants to community groups to enhance their facilities. The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. Groups interested in accessing funding under the LEP should contact their local authority in the first instance.
I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on other funding opportunities and announcements.
My department has no operational role in relation to the centre in question, and the Deputy may wish to contact Dublin City Council to discuss ownership details and any operational plans for the centre.
