2054. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce the 2024 community centres investment fund awards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35487/24]

Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland. In April, I approved funding of €30 million for the construction of 12 new community centres across nine counties.

In June this year, I was delighted to announce a further €20 million in funding to support our community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas.  The Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 will provide funding from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres.

The scheme closed for applications on Thursday 5th September. All of the applications are now being appraised and I hope to begin announcing the successful applicants in the coming months.