Over €1m in funding for Offaly community projects
Some €1.05m has been allocated to community projects in Offaly to help integrate new arrivals from Ukraine and elsewhere.
This morning, the Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys together with her colleague Minister Joe O’Brien announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year 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 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.
Local authorities, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.
Offaly is to receive €1.05m
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
Welcoming the funding, Minister Pippa Hackett said: “ The Community Recognition Fund, which is administered by the Council, has already benefited communities in Offaly, examples include support of the Offline Film Festival, Portarlington Concert Band and a combination of Tullamore sports clubs. Many communities, towns and villages are experiencing rapid change with the arrival of people from Ukraine and other countries. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and this fund recognises that – and the need for a whole of community approach.
"This new allocation of €1millon will undoubtedly see tangible and long term benefits delivered across the county, in consultation with communities and focused on areas that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.”