Niamh Smyth
Ceist:669. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the community recognition fund 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20623/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 May 2024
Ceisteanna (669)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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, and will continue to support projects delivering 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. The first phase for applications from local authorities closes on 31st May.
Each local authority is required to have a dedicated space on their own website outlining the various ways communities can access Community Recognition Funding in that local authority area. Links to each of those dedicated spaces is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/e626a-community-recognition-fund-2023/