Laois receives over €1m to support communities that have welcomed refugees

Laois County Council has received over €1million in government funding to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.

The Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, together with her colleague Minister Joe O’Brien TD, announced on Friday Laois will receive €1,012,996  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.

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.

Nationally an additional €50 million in funding has been announced and 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

In announcing the funding today, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am very pleased to be in a position to announce an additional €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund. This allocation will double the funding provided by my Department to €100 Million in supporting communities across the country who have responded to the humanitarian crisis in welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries.

“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.”

https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/1448509/laois-designated-accommodation-centre-for-ukrainians-the-largest-in-ireland.html

Local authorities can submit funding proposals to the Department of Rural & Community Development in phases, which will allow them to respond to changing circumstances during the year.

Also speaking today, Minister O’Brien said:

“The Community Recognition Fund announced today gives local communities across Ireland another opportunity to expand and improve local facilities to continue to meet the needs of communities as they change and develop over time. 

“I’d encourage communities to use this funding opportunity to consider projects that will add benefit and help meet local needs in their area.”