Departmental Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

Ceisteanna (105, 112, 113, 588)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

105. 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. [4039/24]

James O'Connor

Ceist:

112. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a Tranche 2 of the community recognition fund will open in 2024; if a similar scheme will be rolled out for communities hosting large numbers of international protection applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4018/24]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

113. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be a Community Recognition Fund 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3924/24]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

588. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on when the community recognition fund will reopen for applications. [3720/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 112, 113 and 588 together.

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 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.

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 in recent days, 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.

Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 99.