Special extra community money for Laois towns with most Ukrainians

Laois County Council is inviting applications from nine Laois communities which it says have welcomed most refugees from Ukraine and other counties.

The council says that in Laois, areas with the highest number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries are: Rathdowney, Durrow, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Clonaslee, Ballylinan, Portarlington and Emo area.

The local authority says these locations qualify for funding national €50 million Community Recognition Fund announced in January by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien. The allocation for Co. Laois is €1,014,607. 

"This major initiative, the first of its kind, is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries," says Laois County Council.

The council adds that the scheme details set out that only areas which have high levels of new arrivals will be deemed eligible for this scheme. 

Now that the funding as the green light Laois County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for project proposals from community groups in the listed areas where it says there are large numbers of new arrivals.

The council also outlines the possible types of projects that can be funded under the scheme as follows:

• 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
   

Applicants will have to outline of how the proposed project will deliver tangible benefits to the community. They will also be asked to state if any element of this proposal previously been approved under a Government Departments’ scheme. A stipulation is that 60% of the proposed project must be complete in 2023.

County Hall says proposals should be submitted to soconnor@laoiscoco.ie by 4 pm Friday, February 24 2023 using an expression of interest form that it can supply.

Laois County Council will host an Information Session to inform communities about this fund on Thursday, February 9 at 7 pm in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church Street, Portlaoise.

Rise in Ukrainian children who have found refuge in Laois

If you plan to attend, please register your attendance here by tapping HERE.