Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
74. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for an enhanced community benefit fund for towns that have large IPAS accommodation centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9659/24]
View answerIn May 2023, together with Government colleagues, I announced details of €50 million in funding for some 900 projects under the Community Recognition Fund.
This Fund recognises the efforts of communities who have gone above and beyond during what has been a very challenging period for our country. It will support towns and villages nationwide that have shown such generosity in welcoming 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. Projects approved under this funding include enhancement works to community and sports facilities, and improvements to recreational amenities such as the provision of lighting and outdoor gym equipment. Support has also been provided to address transport needs in communities.
The Fund has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there, including international protection applicants based in state-provided accommodation. Local authorities are currently submitting funding drawdown requests to my Department in respect of these projects and my officials are assessing these for payment.
I have 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 expect to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
