A major investment is being made into community projects supporting refugees in Donegal.
Over €3million has been allocated to Donegal County Council for distribution to community organisations that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
The government’s €50 million Community Recognition Fund, the first of its kind, aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community.
Donegal has received one of the highest allocations of the fund based on the number of new arrivals over the past year.
Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include:
- the refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities
- the upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens
- the purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations
- the enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to
- the wider community after hours or on weekends
transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters
Community groups are being encouraged to engage directly with their local authorities in the coming weeks to deliver high quality projects.
The department has published the full details of the scheme (including funding allocations) online (HERE), and applications are now being sought from local authorities on the basis of engagement with local communities and clear targeting of proposed projects to areas with the highest level of need.
Announcing the fund last week, Minister for Rural and Community Heather Humphreys said: “I am delighted to announce the details of this major new investment for communities across Ireland. The funding now being made available will support communities in developing projects ranging from sports clubs, playgrounds and walkways, to community groups in areas such as arts, drama and music. Communities the length and breadth of the country have really stepped up to the plate in recent weeks, opening their homes and facilities to people very much in need.
“This Fund is recognising the vital role our communities are playing as we continue to deal with many challenges, not least the war in Ukraine.”
