• 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
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys that a further €50 million in funding is being provided by her department 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.
Senator Cummins said “In Waterford projects funded under the previous round included the installation of outdoor gym equipment and a new skate park in Tramore; installation of sensory play equipment in Dungarvan, upgrading of facilities at Lismore GAA club and various other projects in Waterford City, Dunmore East, Modeligo and Tallow totalling €1.3 million. Many of these projects have been completed and others are in the process of being delivered.
Senator Cummins added “Under today’s announcement, a further €50 million is being provided nationally to deliver projects over 2024 and 2025. Waterford has been allocated a sum of €1,436,394 in this round and the Local Authority will now work collaboratively with communities to fund 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 communities 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.
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 to come. I would encourage community groups to contact their local authority for more details and to discuss potential projects to be funded under this new round of funding.”