4295. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of applications received under the 2026 Community Centre Investment Fund, broken down by county and funding category; the total value of funding sought in each county; the number of applications deemed eligible and ineligible; the anticipated date for announcing allocations; the manner in which geographical balance, levels of deprivation, accessibility needs and the absence of alternative community facilities will be considered during assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58455/26]

The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €112 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.

I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on the 26th March for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The closing date has now passed for CCIF 2026 applications.

My department has received 1,053 applications under Category 1 and Category 2 and the list at the link below sets out the number of applications by county and category.

I know that this announcement is eagerly anticipated in these communities and the successful projects will no doubt make a big impact in their respective areas. Consideration will be given to a number of factors during the assessment process, potentially including geographical balance, levels of deprivation etc.

The appraisal process has now commenced (which will include assessment of the eligibility status of individual projects), and I look forward to announcing the successful projects later in the year.

CCIF 2026 Applications