Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:14. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be another round of the Community Recognition Fund in 2024. [49717/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 November 2023
Ceisteanna (14)
Freagraí scríofa
The Community Recognition Fund recognises the huge efforts made by communities going to great lengths in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Funding of €50 million for over 880 projects is supporting 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. It is important to note that this is separate from other public funding streams which aim to support the development of 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 multi-purpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals. Vehicles have also been funded to address transport needs in communities.
I have been delighted with the very positive response to this Fund. €50 million for almost 900 projects is an unprecedented level of investment in community facilities. We need to make sure that this investment translates into projects on the ground that have a real impact in our communities.
A key priority for me now is to ensure that the range of projects approved across the country are delivered in a timely manner. Once we see good progress in delivering these projects, we can then assess the potential for a further round of funding within the context of overall budgetary resources.
I look forward to seeing projects coming to fruition across the country in the coming months.
Questions Nos. 15 to 17, inclusive, answered orally.