Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2024
176. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total amount in the community recognition fund; the amount allocated to County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17010/24]
View answerThe Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 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 providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
To further support communities, I announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund on March 15th last. The additional funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in cities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.
This allocation is being targeted at larger projects than in 2023, with a minimum of €50,000 per project, thereby providing a real and tangible benefit to communities. Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities across three phases, so as to allow flexibility and adequate engagement and collaboration on larger projects.
Under Community Recognition Fund 2023, €2,354,126 was allocated to 48 projects in County Mayo. I am delighted to confirm an additional €2,428,540 has been allocated to County Mayo under the 2024 Community Recognition Fund.
