The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €25 million in funding to support upgrade and enhancement works to existing community centres nationwide.   

Link to Press Release: Minister Dara Calleary announces details of €25 million Community Centre Investment Fund

The Community Centres Investment Fund 2026 – Refurbishment Grant will provide grants to community organisations for projects from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs to improve and refurbish existing community centres.

Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities €10,000 – €25,000 (95% funding).   

A minimum of 5% of the total project budget is required by the applicant as match funding.

Category 2: Larger scale projects €25,001 to €100,000 (90% funding). 

A minimum of 10% of the total project budget is required by the applicant as match funding. 

How to Apply:-

The scheme will be delivered in conjunction with Pobal.

All applicants must register as ‘users’ on the online portal here in advance of the application process which will open on 29th May, 2026.  Community organisations that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but should check that their details are still correct.

Community organisations are strongly advised to get their application and paperwork ready in advance of the application process opening.

The Portal for online applications will open on 29th May, 2026 at MyPobal Portal and will remain open until 13th July, 2026.

What can funding be used for?

Funding is available for capital works such as:-

• Costs associated with building/renovation works (e.g. materials for extension, refurbishment, modernisation, flooring electrical and plumbing)
• Costs associated with acquisition, installation or replacement of equipment which form an integral part of a building e.g., kitchen units, worktops, sinks, bathroom fittings etc.
• Costs associated with improving the energy efficiency of the building.
• Rental costs of equipment required for the project e.g., diggers, cement mixers, etc.
• Professional fees such as architects, quantity surveyors etc., up to a maximum of 12.5% of the total project costs for both grant categories.
• Labour costs for registered tradespeople such as builders, plasterers, decorators, plumbers, electricians etc., as necessary for the completion of the project.
• Purchase costs of equipment necessary for the ongoing success of the project following completion e.g. kitchen appliances for a kitchen renovation project, improved lighting, sound systems, stage, curtains, installation of a lift to improve assess for disabled people, tables, chairs, catering equipment, sensory equipment, sensory rooms and pool tables/tennis tables for youth areas.
• Improvements to facilities which are necessary to meet fire safety and building regulations e.g. lining of walls and floors, escape routes, wiring, sockets, electrical switches and distribution boards, gas tanks, gas burning flues, heating systems and appliances.
• Fire safety equipment e.g. fire doors, fire alarm system, protected escape stairways, smoke alarms and CO2 alarms.
• Upgrade works on electrical, gas and heating appliances to ensure they meet regulations and standards.
• Direct costs associated with improving accessibility for disabled users or those with mobility issues.
• Outdoor lighting to improve the safety of the immediate environs of buildings and/or parking area but not floodlights for walkways or pitches.
• External storage e.g. for storage of tables, chairs, equipment etc.
• Internal/external painting which includes the exterior of the building, storage sheds and boundary walls.
• Outdoor signage (Signed fixed to the building and/or standalone signage and must include Irish translation).
• Toilets and showers within the community centre.

The DRCDG will host a number of online information events during April and May 2026 and check in clinics will be provided from April to June 2026 to support committees in preparing and submitting an application under the Community Centres Investment Fund 2026 – Refurbishment Grant.  These information sessions will be recorded and can be viewed on the DRCDG’s website in due course. 

All materials to support applicants including access to the online portal, template application form, guidelines, FAQ, links to tutorials and details on information sessions and check in clinics can be found at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s website here