The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced over €14 million to deliver 163 community projects across the country through the Community Recognition Fund.
The investment announced will deliver a diverse range of projects and includes upgrades and enhancements to much needed sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds.
To support those with transport needs, a number of vehicles for community use are also included in the list of approved projects.
The Minister made the announcement as he visited Dublin’s Inner City Enterprise (ICE) with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, TD. ICE will be receiving €400,000 under the fund to support refurbishment work at their social enterprise hub allowing them to expand their vital services.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
The funding being provided today is going to projects located in those towns, villages and city neighbourhoods that are hosting and supporting our new arrivals.
All local authority areas that applied for funding under phase 2 of the Community Recognition Fund 2024 are benefitting from today’s announcement.
Minister Calleary said:
“In keeping with the Government’s renewed commitment to ensuring local communities are supported to make their town, village and parish thriving places to live, work and raise a family, I am very happy to be making this announcement which will see 163 very worthwhile projects receiving funding to deliver key community infrastructure across the country.
“Through this continued investment under the Community Recognition Fund, to support towns and villages who have welcomed new arrivals, these communities will now enjoy upgrades to their sports facilities, community centres, recreational trails, community parks and play spaces.
“Local authorities who administer this funding have engaged with communities to identify their specific needs which vary from one area to another. The diverse projects I am announcing today address those differing needs.”
Minister Calleary continued by saying:
“This investment is just one part of the Community Recognition Fund. The closing date for the next phase of applications from local authorities has been extended to February 28th, and successful projects will be announced in the coming months. This announcement today, and others to follow under various programmes administered by my Department, will provide real support to ensure our urban and rural communities continue to flourish.”
Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, said
“I would like to applaud the efforts of the volunteers and community groups who are benefitting from today’s investment. I want to thank them for their efforts to make their communities better places for all, and to acknowledge the pride they have in their own place. I also want to acknowledge the work of the local authority officials who support communities throughout the year. Working together, we can build strong, vibrant spaces for all members of our communities, new and old.”
Each local authority has an agreed funding allocation and can decide whether to apply for projects from this allocation under one, two or three of the application phases.
All local authorities have not applied under Phase 2. Phase 3 will remain open for applications until February 28th, 2025.
Details of the 163 projects announced are available here.