The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced a fourth round of the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), worth €25 million, to finance refurbishment and enhancement works at existing community centres across the country.

The 2026 – Refurbishment round builds on CCIF allocations in 2022 and 2024, which delivered over €80 million for almost 1,650 refurbishment projects, alongside more than €30 million to construct 12 new centres.

"The Community Centre Investment Fund has had a transformative impact across the country. Since the inception of this Fund, over €111 million has already been provided to support community centres in their role at the very heart of community life," said Minister Calleary.

"I am pleased to be able to launch a new round of funding under the Community Centre Investment Fund with online applications being accepted from 29th May. This builds on an unprecedented level of investment in our community centres in recent years," he added.

"This scheme can be used for a range of refurbishment works such as new roofs, energy upgrades, accessibility measures, new kitchen facilities, new stage and lighting, essential repairs and lots more."

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Grants will range from €10,000 to €100,000 towards capital costs, split into two bands: Category 1 (€10,000–€25,000) covering up to 95% of costs, and Category 2 (€25,001–€100,000) covering up to 90% of costs. Applicants must provide match funding of at least 5% (Category 1) or 10% (Category 2).

Eligible capital works include building and renovation (such as extensions, flooring, electrical and plumbing), energy-efficiency upgrades, accessibility improvements, equipment integral to buildings (for example kitchen units and bathroom fittings), hire of necessary equipment, and professional fees up to 12.5% of total costs. Labour by registered tradespeople is eligible, as are items needed for the project’s ongoing use (for example appliances, lighting and sound systems, stages and curtains, lifts, tables and chairs, catering and sensory equipment). Fire safety upgrades and equipment, compliance works on electrical, gas and heating systems, outdoor safety lighting (excluding floodlighting of walkways or pitches), external storage, internal and external painting, outdoor signage (including Irish translation), and toilets and showers within centres are also covered.

All applicants must register as users on the online portal at myportal.pobal.ie in advance of applying. Groups that applied previously do not need to register again but should verify their details. Online applications open on 29 May and close on 13 July 2026. The Department will host information sessions, clinics and support events in April, May, June and July to help applicants prepare strong submissions. Guidance materials, including a template application form, guidelines and FAQs, are available at www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/.

Community facilities are defined as buildings managed by community-based organisations and open to a broad range of local users for activities such as social events, supports and recreation.