- Continued investment, through the Community Recognition Fund, in our sports clubs, community centres, parks, recreational trails and play and sensory spaces.
- Projects supporting arts, culture and community vehicles also receive funding.
- Government delivers on its commitment to support local communities to be more inclusive and resilient.
During a visit to County Roscommon to open a number of rural development projects funded by his Department, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced over €17 million to deliver 212 community projects nationwide through the Community Recognition Fund.
This, the third announcement of projects under the 2024 fund, will deliver real and tangible benefits to communities across the country who have welcomed new arrivals in recent years to their cities, towns and villages.
Included in the list of 212 projects announced today are enhancement works to community centres, a wide range of recreational facilities, and the purchase of buildings and lands for future shared use by communities.
The provision of community vehicles and projects supporting the arts and culture sector are also included in today’s announcement.
Minister Calleary made the announcement during a visit to county Roscommon, where he unveiled a range of rural development projects.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister Calleary said:
“I am very happy to be making a further announcement under the Community recognition Fund which will build on the 349 projects previously announced under the 2024 scheme. The announcement today will mean that over 1,450 projects have now been awarded funding under the Community Recognition Fund in just over two years.
“The Community Recognition Fund continues to support the cities, towns and villages that welcomed new arrivals to their communities in recent years. This funding has enabled communities to be more inclusive and resilient through the provision and enhancement of a range of community facilities and community spaces.”
Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, said:
“I am delighted with today’s announcement which sees a further 212 projects brought to fruition through the Community Recognition Fund. This fund has now invested €100 million in cities, towns and villages across the country and the difference this funding has made will serve these communities well for many years to come.
“The way in which these communities, welcomed new arrivals is a testament to the Irish people and that ‘meitheal’ which is still part of the fabric of our society, long may it continue.”
For more information and the full list of approved projects, visit: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/community-recognition-fund-funding-allocations/
Listen to an audio clip about the announcement here: