€702,000 allocated for Community Recognition Projects in Offaly

FIVE applications in Birr and Banagher have been successfully allocated funding under the Community Recognition Fund, amounting to a total allocation of €317,000, whilst Offaly will receive a total funding allocation of €702,000 for 11 applications spanning the county, according to Fine Gael Councillor John Clendennen.

“I received confirmation from Minister for Community and Rural Development, Heather Humphreys, that a number of important facilities in Birr and Banagher have been successful in their applications for funding,” stated Cllr Clendennen.

“Birr playground has been allocated €80,000 and Banagher allocated €50,000. The upkeep and maintenance of our playgrounds has repeatedly been on the agenda for some time, and I am confident this funding will go a long way in making a tangible difference. It is also good to see funding secured for Birr Leisure Centre (€87,000) Crank House (€50,000) and Homefix Service Transport (€50,000),” continued Cllr Clendennen.

Other projects to benefit are Edenderry Golf Club (€60,000), Geashill Community for upgrade to community basketball court (€65,000), Esker Arts Tullamore (€70,000), Tullamore Harriers AC (€50,000), Tullamore MD – Connolly Park Community Playground (€80,000), Tullamore Town Park Playground Update (€60,000).

Welcoming the announcement, Offaly Cabinet Minister Pippa Hackett said; “Our communities are changing and growing and we are adapting together with the support of collective voluntary effort.

“Today’s announcement recognises the scale of community and voluntary commitment across Offaly.

“The projects to receive funding in Offaly, from playground upgrades to the purchase of equipment and vehicles, will have a significant impact, and are all made possible because of the efforts of the many volunteers in our communities. They are the heroes of today’s announcement, supported by Offaly County Councils, and I applaud and thank them.”

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Humphreys emphasised this major investment, under the Community Recognition Fund, that will support the upgrade of sports facilities, community centres, walking trails, parks, playgrounds and so much more. “The projects are diverse in nature – demonstrating the fact that communities have different needs and all the projects being funded today are designed to bring communities together and make them more vibrant places to live, work and visit.

“This investment is just the first of a number of tranches that will be announced under the Community Fund over the coming months. This is about giving back and saying ‘thank you’ to communities for what they do week-in, week-out and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on the ground in communities all across Ireland,” continued Minister Humphreys.

The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) 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 nationwide in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.

To further support communities, a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund was announced in March 2024. 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.