- Further €50 million in funding to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries
- Funding proposals to be developed in consultation with local communities
- Brings the total investment under the Community Recognition Fund to €100 million
The Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, together with her colleague Minister Joe O’Brien TD, have today (15th March 2024) announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in supporting cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
Under today’s announcement, a further €50 million is being provided again to deliver projects over 2024 and 2025.
Local authorities, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.
Projects that will be funded include:
- Development or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
- Development or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities;
- Enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
- Purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations
- Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles
In announcing the funding today, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am very pleased to be in a position to announce an additional €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund. This allocation will double the funding provided by my Department to €100 Million in supporting communities across the country who have responded to the humanitarian crisis in welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries.
“I know communities the length and breadth of the country have really stepped up to the plate in recent months in terms of welcoming families from Ukraine or those seeking asylum from other countries.
“This funding is about recognising the efforts and the generosity that so many communities have shown during what has been a challenging time for our country.”
Local authorities can submit funding proposals to the Department of Rural & Community Development in phases, which will allow them to respond to changing circumstances during the year.
Also speaking today, Minister O’Brien said:
“The Community Recognition Fund announced today gives local communities across Ireland another opportunity to expand and improve local facilities to continue to meet the needs of communities as they change and develop over time.
“I’d encourage communities to use this funding opportunity to consider projects that will add benefit and help meet local needs in their area.”
The €50 million has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there (see allocations below).
Minister Humphreys concluded by saying;
“Good progress is being made in the delivery of projects under the initial allocation of €50 Million in 2023. These are projects which will provide long term benefits to communities for many years, such as community centre enhancements in Athboy in Meath, a walking trail adjoining the amenity park in Swinford in Mayo; and improvement works in the Family Resource Centre in Gorey in Wexford.
“I would encourage community groups in impacted areas to contact their local authority for more details and to discuss potential projects to be funded under this new round of funding.”
The Department has published the full details of the scheme (including funding allocations) online and local authorities are now encouraged to commence engagement with local communities to develop impactful and beneficial community projects in areas with the highest identified level of need.
ENDS
Contact:
The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office
01-7736843 / 086-7912704
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