Fingal County Council awarded €1,813,912 under the Community recognition fund launched by Minister Joe O’Brien

24th January, 2023

Minister of State Joe O’Brien, has today set out the details of the €50 million Community Recognition Fund.

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.

Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include:

• 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

The €50 million has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there. Fingal County Council has been awarded €1,813,912 under the new scheme and the funding will be drawn down over 2023 and 2024.

Projects will be delivered by Fingal County Council in conjunction with community organisations.

The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community.

Announcing the €50 million Fund, Minister O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to announce the details of this major new investment for communities across Ireland and in particular, for communities in Fingal.

“The funding now being made available will support communities in Fingal to develop projects ranging from sports clubs, playgrounds and walkways, to community groups in areas such as arts, drama and music.

“The funding awarded to Fingal recognises the vital role our communities are playing as we continue to deal with many challenges, not least the war in Ukraine.

He continued:

“Funding is available for a wide range of projects, such as the purchase of community vehicles and the enhancement of local clubs’ facilities and amenities.

“I am confident that this new initiative will deliver tangible benefits to communities not just in Fingal but all across Ireland.”

The Department has published the full details of the scheme (including funding allocations) online, and applications are now being sought from local authorities on the basis of engagement with local communities and clear targeting of proposed projects to areas with the highest level of need.