Funding for two local projects promoting community integration in Offaly

Two Offaly projects will receive funding of over €7,000 under the Communities Integration Fund 2021.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman made the announcement at the weekend that 111 community groups will get a grant this year from a pot of €500,000 made available via to support local community-based organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in welcoming and integrating migrants and refugees.

“I’m delighted to see funding of €2,820 for Immigrants Training and Advice Services to help migrant women integrate through personal development, and €5,000 for Tullamore Camogie Club for Girls of All Lands (GOAL),” local Minister of State Pippa Hackett said on foot of the announcement.

“Integration is key to building community, and we have some wonderful people in Offaly working to enhance that connection,” added the Green Party Senator and Minister.

The Communities Integration Fund has been in place since 2017 and arises from Action 51 of the Migrant Integration Strategy, which calls for funding to be made available to local communities throughout Ireland to promote the integration of migrants and refugees.

“I am delighted to announce this funding which will support local communities nationwide to reconnect and to celebrate the rich cultural diversity in our society," Minister O’Gorman said.

"Settling into a new environment can be a daunting experience for migrants and refugees.  The Covid-19 pandemic in particular has presented many challenges, among them an increased risk of social isolation. Local community-based initiatives, such as those awarded funding today, can play a vital role in supporting new arrivals through this transition period, providing them with the opportunity to connect with their new community and to realise their full potential,” he concluded.