€2million has been allocated locally under the Community Recognition Fund.
It’s part of a €50million offering of targeted supports with funding proposals to be developed in consultation with communities across the country that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
€1,171,621 has been allocated to Carlow County Council with Kilkenny’s getting €867,987.
Projects that can 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
Green Party TD for Carlow Kilkenny and Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan says of the additional funding stream; “It’s really important that our communities get recognition and support for the crucial work they are doing in terms of providing the myriad supports on the ground that help new residents in our counties to settle in, get involved in local activities, and become part of their new community. Over the last numbers of years, the people of Carlow and Kilkenny have opened their homes and their communities to people in their time of need, and this generosity is being supported by government in a very targeted way,” he said.
“I know and I’ve seen the inclusion and integration work that’s happening on the ground, and I’m looking forward to seeing how local groups, sports clubs, schools and other organisations work with our local authorities to develop projects that will have a real, lasting impact.”
While his party colleague and Kilkenny city Councillor Maria Dollard notes; “This funding will be a major aid to local organisations. From sports clubs to community groups, and from schools to transport, it will bring real, tangible improvements to the facilities and local amenities that we all use and enjoy. The projects that will be supported will ultimately benefit all members of our communities, who can develop projects that identify and address local needs. This could involve the refurbishment or improvement of community facilities, new playgrounds or equipment, or it could fund festivals or events. Projects that help meet an immediate need can have long term benefits for the community as a whole, so this is a great opportunity.”
