Funding of €10.5 million has been announced to assist the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine.
The funding will strengthen the capacity of those already working across the community and voluntary sector to improve the experience and quality of life of people arriving from Ukraine. As new arrivals begin to settle into community life in Ireland, this funding will help ensure that local groups continue to look after those most in need.
Some €5 million in funding will be provided to the Local Development Companies through the SICAP Programme. Funding of €5 million will also go to Community Foundation Ireland (CFI) who will be administering the “Ireland for Ukraine Fund”. €500,000 will be used to support volunteer centres, which have been dealing with a huge demand for services since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: “Since the start of this terrible war, our communities have played a central role in helping people arriving from Ukraine settle in to their new life in Ireland.
“The Community and Voluntary Sector, which my Department has responsibility for, has not been found wanting in stepping up to the plate and assisting families arriving here.
“I am therefore very pleased today to have secured Cabinet approval to provide an additional €10.5 million to continue to support community efforts.
“I am confident that this additional funding will help ensure the integration of the people arriving from Ukraine, as well as assisting both rural and urban communities in continuing their work.”