€25m funding for community centre

 “This is a really welcome announcement which will really benefit community centres in Wicklow and Kildare which are used by the whole community here.” 

The Community Centres Investment Fund 2026 follows the success of similar schemes in 2022 and 2024 which provided funding of over €80 million for almost 1,650 community centre refurbishment projects nationally. 

The scheme gives investment for upgrade and refurbishments works on existing community centres under two categories:

• Category 1 for minor works with grant aid up to €25,000

• Category 2 for larger works with grant aid up to €100,000

All applicants must register as 'users' on the online portal in advance of the application process which will open in late May. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but should check that their details are still correct.

Groups are advised to get their application and paperwork ready in advance of the online application process opening at the end of May. The closing date for applications will be July 13.  

The Department will be running a series of information sessions in advance of the application opening date to assist in the preparation of applications.

Deputy Edward Timmins added:  “A range of activities including Irish dancing lessons for children or art classes for retired people take place in community centres in Kildare and Wicklow which prove they’ve always been a central point in every town and village for people to come together, learn a new skill, practice a hobby or just socialise with others.” 

Minister of State at the Department for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer said: “The Community Centre Investment Fund has had a transformative impact across the country. Since the inception of this fund, over €111 million has already been provided to support community centres in their role at the very heart of community life. 

“I am pleased today to be able to confirm a new round of funding under the Community Centre Investment Fund with online applications being accepted from 29th May.This builds on an unprecedented level of investment in our community centres in recent years. 

 “This scheme can be used for a range of refurbishment works such as new roofs, energy upgrades, accessibility measures, new kitchen facilities, new stage and lighting, essential repairs and lots more.”