The Government has announced an investment of over €30 million which will deliver 12 new community centres across Rural Ireland.

This is the first time in the history of the State that a dedicated fund has been set up to deliver new-build community centres in Rural Ireland. The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, made the announcement while visiting Newcastle in Galway which is to receive over €4.3 million to build a brand new community centre.

The newly announced community centre projects will be awarded capital grants ranging from €1 million to €6 million. These grants are intended to facilitate the construction of versatile centres in regions where community facilities are currently lacking. The Community Centres Investment Fund, initiated in March 2023, aims to channel investments into innovative community ventures within our towns and villages.

After providing funding of €45.8m to over 860 projects for refurbishments, Minister Humphreys decided to put a renewed focus on supporting communities that have no community centre at all.

The projects being funded are:

•Aras Lae , Maigh Cuilinn, Co. Galway - €6,000,000

•Tullow Road Community Hub, Carlow Town –€4,135,178.

•Newcastle Community Centre, Galway City – €4,343,255.

•Rylane Community Centre, Co. Cork - €1,595,574

•Ballina Scouting Den and Community Centre, Co Mayo - €1,152,193

•Kilcloon Community Centre, Co. Meath: - €1,915,000

•Rockcorry Community Centre, Co. Monaghan: - €2,667,785

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•Moneygall Community Centre, Co Offaly - €1,407,660

•Ballymote Community Centre, Co. Sligo - €2,650,991

•Kilglass Community Centre, Co. Sligo -€1,163,710

•Ballymitty Community Development, Co.Wexford - €1,398,035

•Riverchapel Community Centre, Co. Wexford - €1,797,919

Minister Humphreys said: "I am delighted today to announce details of the successful projects under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2023. Today, we are investing over €30 million in 12 new build facilities – this will be transformational for our rural towns and villages.

"Our community centres bring people of all ages together, whether it be for sporting, educational or social occasions. They are vital for engaging with those who may find themselves marginalised and they give everyone in the community a great sense of belonging.

"They build, stronger, more vibrant communities – places that for so many people act as a home from home. You could say that the Community Centre is the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and cities around the country.

"When I launched this fund last year with a €20M allocation, I expected to approve 5 or 6 projects. Taking account of the quality of the applications and the identified needs, I am today approving funding for 12 of the applications received with funding of over €30m.

"This funding will assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs and the level of interest has shown that these centres, when complete, will be the heart of many a community.

"Through 'Our Rural Future', I want to support locally led, ground-up projects in local communities across the country. This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local groups as they serve their communities with such dedication and generosity.

"I am always struck by the immense pride communities have in their locality. The community centre is a safe, positive and accessible space for all manner of community activities and I want to ensure that community centres continue to remain a hive of activity.

"I want to congratulate the successful projects and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities. This funding will deliver high quality community facilities that will bring benefits to these communities for many years to come."

All of these projects are situated on either brown or green field sites and have obtained all the necessary planning and consents. As a result, they are already well-advanced and ready to begin once the tender process is complete.

The Fund is specifically aimed at areas lacking suitable facilities to fulfil their community's requirements. These centres vary in size, ranging from single-story to two-story buildings and will be strategically placed in both rural and urban settings across nine counties.