Laois Offaly Government politicians welcome €1 mill to recognise Laois refugee intake

The more than €1 million in cash for nearly 50 projects in Laois awarded in recognition of communities welcoming refugees from Ukraine and other countries has been welcomed by Laois and Offaly representatives in Government.

Ministers Sean Fleming, Pippa Hacket and TD Charlie Flanagan were all pleased that €1,014,607 has been approved in funding for 48 community projects in Laois, under the Community Recognition Fund.

The fund was announced in January 2023, with a budget of €50 million nationwide. 

Minister of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Sean Fleming said this major initiative is designed to support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens.

"I welcome this announcement of funding for our local areas. This funding will enhance our local infrastructure and facilities, which will be used by all members of the community.

"Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include the refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities, upgrade of community facilities, purchasing of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations and more.

"Well done to all of those community groups that have received funding today and I would like to thank all these groups in Laois for their great work," said the Fianna Fáil TD.

Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan also welcomed the money.

"The funding for upgrades to community facilities, cycle tracks and sporting facilities, will have a real impact and will make a real difference across the county," he said

The funding was welcomed by Senator Pippa Hackett who is Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture.

“The biggest take away from this announcement is not the funding boost, which of course is very welcome, but the scale of community and voluntary commitment across the county which this fund highlights. 

“We are experiencing significant changes in our communities and we are adapting and growing stronger with the support of collective voluntary effort. Every one of these project proposals, including upgrades to toilets and kitchen facilities at Portarlington Community Centre and equipping a musical space by Music Generation Portlaoise is possible because of voluntary effort by individuals. 

“They are the heroes of this announcement, supported by Laois County Council and I applaud and thank them. There are some really practical projects too like manikins for lifesaving training at Laois Leisure, Portarlington and a bus shelter in Clonaslee thanks to the Tidy Towns there. 

“There are innovative ones too like the dipping pond at Abbeyleix Bog Project.  I look forward to seeing the results which will benefit us all and, in many cases, support our biodiversity,” she said.

Bicycle repairs, new GAA scoreboard, sliotars being paid for from €1 m Laois refugee recognition cash

Allocations were made to each local authority based on the number of new arrivals located there. Communities were invited to apply. 

Laois has some 1,000 refugees with the Portlaoise Municipal District housing the highest number. There are also Direct Provision Centres in Emo and Abbeyleix.