€1.3m for Louth communities welcoming people coming to Ireland
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year
Louth County Council has been allocated €1,317,173 in funding under the Community Recognition Fund, an initiative first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
The local authority, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.
The announcement was made today by Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, together with Minister Joe O Brien
Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in supporting cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
Under today’s announcement, a further €50 million is being provided again to deliver projects over 2024 and 2025. Projects that will be funded include:
- Development or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
- Development or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities;
- Enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
- Purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations
- Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles
In announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said: “I know communities the length and breadth of the country have really stepped up to the plate in recent months in terms of welcoming families from Ukraine or those seeking asylum from other countries. This funding is about recognising the efforts and the generosity that so many communities have shown during what has been a challenging time for our country.”