36. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the additional measures being considered to support rural towns and villages experiencing population growth but facing deficits in community infrastructure, including community centres, sports facilities and public amenities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53313/26]

My department provides a range of supports to address the needs of rural towns and villages across Ireland. As part of this approach, my officials work with a number of delivery partners, including local authorities and local development companies, to ensure local challenges and needs are duly considered.

Responsibility for identifying and selecting local priorities and submitting applications in response to departmental calls for proposals is often delegated to our delivery partners including local authorities. In respect of LEADER, the local action group is responsible for selecting and approving projects in its respective area.

This is based on their assessment of local needs taking account of matters such as those raised by the Deputy including population indicators and levels of existing amenities, in addition to the specific scheme criteria. These bodies have on-the-ground knowledge and expertise in relation to the local area and its priorities, ensuring the effective targeting of investment.

An example of the investment by the department is the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Since 2020 over €210 million has been allocated to towns and villages across the country under this scheme, with €26 million supporting 116 rural projects across Ireland announced under the most recent funding allocations in December 2025.

My Department also funds a wide range of other schemes that have supported thousands of capital projects nationwide in recent years, including LEADER, CLÁR, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Community Centre Investment Fund.

There are more funding opportunities available for rural communities than ever before.  I would encourage all rural communities to engage with their local authorities and to access the scheme information available on my department's website to see what funding stream might best suit their needs.