Donegal County Council has been allocated €3,391,917 for projects to benefit communities that host people from Ukraine and other countries.
Donegal will get the second-highest funding package in this year’s Community Recognition Fund.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants. F
unding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects last year, and another €50 million is being shared out nationwide for 2024 and 2025.
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
The €50million fund has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there. Kerry County Council received the highest amount of €3.9million.
Local authorities are now encouraged to commence engagement with local communities to develop impactful and beneficial community projects in areas with the highest identified level of need.
In announcing the funding today, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Minister Humphreys said: “I know communities the length and breadth of the country have really stepped up to the plate in recent months in terms of welcoming families from Ukraine or those seeking asylum from other countries.
“This funding is about recognising the efforts and the generosity that so many communities have shown during what has been a challenging time for our country.”
