Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien, have today (Tuesday, January 24) set out the details of the €50 million Community Recognition Fund.
This initiative is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.
Among the projects that will be supported under the fund are:
- The refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities;
- The upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens;
- The purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations;
- The enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends;
- Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters.
The €50 million has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there. The funding will be drawn down over 2023 and 2024.
Community Recognition Fund
Projects will be delivered by the local authorities in conjunction with community organisations.
The fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community.
Announcing the €50 million Fund, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to announce the details of this major new investment for communities across Ireland.
“The funding now being made available will support communities in developing projects ranging from sports clubs, playgrounds and walkways, to community groups in areas such as arts, drama and music.
“Communities the length and breadth of the country have really stepped up to the plate in recent weeks, opening their homes and facilities to people very much in need.
“This fund is recognising the vital role our communities are playing as we continue to deal with many challenges, not least the war in Ukraine,” she added.
The minister is now encouraging communities to engage directly with their local authorities in the coming weeks to ensure that high-quality projects can be delivered.
“The projects that will be supported are those that will benefit all members of our communities, young and old,” Minister Humphreys continued.
Minister of State, Joe O’Brien added: “Today’s announcement will empower communities across the country in developing projects that directly address local needs.
“Funding is available for a wide range of projects, such as the purchase of community vehicles and the enhancement of local clubs’ facilities and amenities.
“I am confident that this new initiative will deliver tangible benefits to communities all across Ireland.”
The Department of Rural and Community Development has published the full details of the scheme (including funding allocations) on its website.
Applications are now being sought from local authorities on the basis of engagement with local communities and clear targeting of proposed projects to areas with the highest level of need.
Local authority Allocation Carlow County Council €937,967 Cavan County Council €1,191,206 Clare County Council €2,925,549 Cork City Council €1,163,515 Cork County Council €2,307,035 Donegal County Council €3,114,395 Dublin City Council €2,392,127 Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council €707,864 Fingal County Council €1,813,912 Galway City Council €1,911,918 Galway County Council €1,333,290 Kerry County Council €4,403,073 Kildare County Council €807,328 Kilkenny County Council €948,063 Laois County Council €1,014,607 Leitrim County Council €2,204,319 Limerick City And County Council €1,389,505 Longford County Council €653,453 Louth County Council €1,515,727 Mayo County Council €2,354,126 Meath County Council €1,231,685 Monaghan County Council €881,203 Offaly County Council €669,691 Roscommon County Council €689,057 Sligo County Council €1,424,596 South Dublin County Council €2,754,305 Tipperary County Council €997,861 Waterford City And County Council €1,421,869 Westmeath County Council €1,649,996 Wexford County Council €1,509,870 Wicklow County Council €1,680,887 Total €50,000,000