Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1838. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will explain the decision not to provide the community recognition grant to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16497/23]
View answerMy Department launched the €50 million Community Recognition Fund (CRF) earlier this year. This fund is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.
The focus of the Community Recognition Fund is to develop local facilities to be open, used and enjoyed by all members of the community. It is separate to other public funding streams supporting the increased demand on public services arising from significant numbers fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
The Community Recognition Fund was administered locally by the relevant local authority. A funding proposal, comprising projects selected and prioritised locally, has been submitted to my Department by each local authority for final approval.
In most authorities, the level of funding sought far exceeded the available budget and each local authority sought to prioritise projects based on identified priorities and gaps in local infrastructure.
Proposals were required to be developed locally following direct engagement with impacted communities and consultation with the Municipal Districts, Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the local Community Response Fora. Proposals were also required to be consistent with Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs).
The decision regarding the project referred to by the Deputy was made at local authority level taking into account local consultation as to prioritisation of projects. Accordingly, I have requested Clare County Council to provide feedback to the school in question.
Separately, I opened the CLÁR 2023 Programme on the 29th March. Under the programme, a specific measure supports the development of a wide selection of community infrastructure and amenities. Projects on school grounds may be eligible if they are open to use by all of the community after school hours. Further details on the Programme are available on my Department’s website.
