4251. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to improve funding and resourcing of community centres in Drogheda and south Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55240/26]

Since becoming Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure. While community centres are supported under a number of schemes, my Department now has a dedicated funding stream solely for community centres.

The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality community facilities that are available to all groups in both urban and rural communities. Through the CCIF, some €112 million has been allocated for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.

Since 2022, 40 projects have been approved under CCIF in County Louth with associated funding of €1.7 million, including over €508,000 for 11 projects that included reference to Drogheda in the address provided. Details of all projects in Louth are available on my Department's website.

The latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 was launched on 26 March for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The fund will be delivered across two categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000, respectively. The closing date has now passed, and the appraisal process has commenced. I look forward to announcing the successful projects later in the year.

I encourage all eligible community groups to continue engaging with the range of funding supports available through my Department.