Funding to upgrade 399 community centres nationwide has been announced today (Monday, November 4) by Taoiseach Simon Harris, and the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
The Community Centres Investment Fund 2024 was launched in June 2024 to provide for upgrades under two categories, including: Category 1 for minor works with grant aid up to €25,000; and Category 2 for larger works with grant aid up to €100,000.
Over €7.6 million has been provided from today’s announcement under category 1. Successful projects under Category 2 will be announced in the coming months.
On announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “These are small grants which will make a big difference. The funding we are announcing today will support local groups to improve kitchen and toilet facilities, replace old windows and doors, upgrade the heating system and improve disability access.”
Community centres
Some of the projects with higher funding includes €25,000 worth of funding towards insulation and energy upgrade works at Abbey Community Hall in Clarecastle Ballyea Parish, Co. Clare.
A further €25,000 will be used at Saint Brendan’s Senior Citizens Community Centre, Co. Cork for the replacement of a boiler and radiators.
Another €25,000 will be used to improve lighting at Drumhowan Community Centre, Co. Monaghan.
Over €82 million has now been approved for almost 1,300 projects across the country, with a focus from government to “promote rural and community development”.
“The community centre is open to everybody. It is at the heart of every community in Ireland, rural and urban.
“They are places for people to meet up locally and engage in a wide range of activities whether it’s meals for the elderly, fitness classes, indoor soccer, yoga or even providing a space for the local drama group to perform – the community centre is a home for everybody,” Minister Humphreys said.
The Department of Rural and Community Development continues to host online information event to support committees in preparing and submitting applications under the fund.