Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
377. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next call for projects under the Community Recognition Fund will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 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 multipurpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals. Vehicles have also been funded to address transport needs in 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.
The Government is again looking at how we can further support impacted towns and villages across a range of different public services and any decision in respect of a further round of funding under the Community Recognition Fund will be considered in the context of those deliberations.
