Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
154. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the polices in place to support local authorities and community groups to utilise community centres to their maximum potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37307/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a range of supports in place with regard to community centres. All of my Departments schemes and supports are underpinned by key Government policies including Our Rural Future and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities. These policies recognise the important role community centres play in supporting social inclusion, community participation, recreation, and rural and urban regeneration. While the day-to-day operation and usage of such facilities is a matter for each local authority, or other relevant body responsible for each centre, my Department works in partnership with local authorities, Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), and community organisations to support and develop this broad area.
My Department's Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF) provides capital funding for the upgrade, refurbishment and development of community centres and facilities nationwide. The fund supports projects including accessibility works, energy efficiency measures, building enhancements and the development of multi-purpose community spaces. It is a central aspect of the scheme that the building in question must be open to and used by a broad range of individuals and groups within the local community for group activities such as social events, information/supports and recreation. The 2026 CCIF iteration of the scheme will focus on the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The online application portal for this funding programme will open on May 29th. Further details are available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/services/community-centres-investment-fund/
In addition, the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small-scale capital and current funding to community and voluntary groups to assist with facility improvements, equipment purchases and ongoing running costs associated with community facilities and activities. Community infrastructure is also supported through schemes including LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. In some instances, operational and community development supports are provided through the Community Services Programme (CSP), which supports community organisations and social enterprises that deliver essential local services and manage community facilities. Finally, it should also be noted that the Community Employment Scheme, Rural Social Scheme, and Tús, which are operated by the Department of Social Protection, provide an important resource for many community centres and community facilities across the country.
