O’Shea TD Welcomes Commencement of New €2 million Community Centre for Rylane and Commitment for More Funding under Community Centre Investment Fund in 2026

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul O’Shea has welcomed significant investment in community facilities in County Cork under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), including an allocation of over €1.8 million for a brand-new community centre in Rylane village.

The CCIF was introduced to ensure adequate refurbishment of existing community facilities plus the building of new centres where there is a noticeable need. The aim is to have  accessible community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities, in both rural and urban areas. Since 2022, €110 million has been allocated nationally for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where a clear need has been identified. In County Cork alone, over €10.7 million has been allocated to almost 190 community facilities during the same period.

Speaking after the recent turning the sod on the new €2m Community Centre in Rylane, Deputy O’Shea said “I am delighted to see work commence on this much-needed community centre in Rylane. This investment of over €1.8 million from the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Gaeltacht will provide a modern, inclusive, and accessible facility for all in the community — young and old, community and voluntary groups, sports, cultural and social activities. I am conscious the community here in Rylane will need to fundraise in excess of €200,000 which is no small task but I know will be done and will be supported by the community here in Rylane”.

Deputy O’Shea added “Community Centres are the beating heart of Rural Ireland and in many of our large towns too. They are where people come together, where social connections are built and where communities support one another. I am committed to ensuring that communities like Rylane continue to receive the investment they deserve.”

Deputy O’Shea also reaffirmed the Departments commitment to the continuation of the CCIF into the future. “The Government is committed to delivering further iterations of the Community Centre Investment Fund in the coming years, in line with the Programme for Government commitment for this to become a permanent rolling fund. This includes an increase in the annual budget for the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) by €3 million to €20 million in 2026. Communities must be confident that there is ongoing, sustainable support for the places that bring them together.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor Tony O’Shea also warmly welcomed the commitment from Government for further rolling out of Community Centre funding. “As a local councillor, I see first-hand the difference a modern, well-equipped community facility can make — from tackling rural isolation to supporting youth activities, sporting organisations and cultural events. I look forward to future announcements of funding for Community Centres.