Noel Grealish
Question:654. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when applications for the new Community Recognition Fund 2024 will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7502/24]
View answerTuesday, 20 February 2024
Questions (654)
Written answers
The Community Recognition Fund recognises the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Funding of €50 million for some 900 projects is supporting towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is important to note that this is separate from other public funding streams which aim to address public service needs arising from the significant number of new arrivals into Ireland.
Through this initiative, communities are being assisted to develop projects such as large-scale multipurpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals.
A key priority for me now is to ensure that the range of projects approved across the country are delivered in a timely manner.
I have also been discussing the implementation of the Community Recognition Fund with Government colleagues, including the potential to introduce a second iteration of the scheme to further assist impacted communities. I have asked my officials to advance this work with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and, subject to the outcome of that process, I expect to make an announcement shortly.