The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced over €5.6 million in grants to support minor upgrades and refurbishment works at 279 community centres nationwide under Category 1 of the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF). Awards in this first funding round of 2026 range from approximately €1,800 to €25,000, targeting facility improvements, energy-efficiency measures and other small-scale capital works.

Today's allocations bring total approvals under the CCIF to almost €118 million since 2022. The 2026 Refurbishment measure, launched in March, comprises two categories: Category 1 for minor works (up to €25,000) and Category 2 for larger projects (up to €100,000). Further approvals under Category 2 will be announced in the coming months.

Sample projects include: Crusheen Community Centre, Co Clare (€19,280 for kitchen, stage and general upgrades); Midleton GAA Community Hall, Co Cork (€23,234 for solar panels); Saint Finian's Community Hall, Newcastle, Dublin 22 (€25,000 for bathroom upgrades); Straffan Community Hall Committee, Co Kildare (€25,000 for doors, furniture and upgrade works); Newcastle West Community Centre, Co Limerick (€23,700 for painting); Moygownagh GAA Community Centre, Co Mayo (€25,000 for roof repairs and solar panels); and Ballinahown Community Hall, Co Westmeath (€25,000 for sanitary refurbishments).

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Speaking at the announcement, Minister Calleary said: "I am delighted to be making this announcement today under the Community Centre Investment Fund. At the launch of "Our Rural Future" last week, I said, "our focus now is firmly on delivery, working across Government to deliver practical improvements that make a real difference to people living and working in rural Ireland". Today is part of that delivery, with funding to enhance the facilities in 279 community centres nationwide and even more centres to be approved funding before the end of the year.

"Community Centres are the key stone to community life. It is here we meet for social, cultural and sporting events, in good times and bad.

"This funding will empower community groups to be more resilient and to offer a wider range of facilities and supports in a more comfortable, sustainable and accessible setting."

Applicants under Category 1 must provide a minimum of 5% match funding, while Category 2 requires at least 10%. Eligible costs include building and renovation works, installation or replacement of integral equipment (such as kitchens and bathroom fittings), energy-efficiency upgrades, safety and compliance improvements, and associated labour and equipment hire.

The Minister concluded: "Through the Community Centre Investment Fund, over 1,300 communities nationwide are benefitting from the works approved to date. The funding I am announcing today will further enhance community life in rural and urban areas in every county.

"This brings the total approved under the CCIF since 2022 to almost €118 million.

"I very much look forward to seeing the difference this funding will make for these communities and will be announcing a further tranche of supports for larger projects with funding up to €100,000 in the coming months."