Minister Joe O’Brien announces 28 projects to be funded under the Ireland Against Racism Fund 2024

• Fund of €1.1m will be made available to 28 NGOs and community organisations to carry out national & regional projects that aim to combat racism and foster racial equality and community cohesion.

• Grants of up to €100,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to assist with the implementation of the National Action Plan against Racism.

The Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien, today announced the 28 projects set to receive over €1.1m in funding under the Ireland Against Racism Fund 2024.

The Ireland Against Racism Fund is an important element in supporting the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism, which was published on 21 March 2023. The funding call arises from Action 2.14 of the plan which states: ‘‘Provide funding for national and local initiatives that aim to combat racism and foster racial equality and community cohesion, in order to support the implementation of this plan and the achievement of its objectives’’.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’Brien said:

“We must all be acutely aware of the danger posed to society if racism and racist actions go unchallenged. The organisations and projects awarded funding today are among those doing vital work to challenge racism in various settings. Racism and racist behaviour causes grave damage to those whom it is directed at but also damages wider society as it seeks to chip away at social cohesion and our willingness to treat each other with dignity and respect. We must never allow this to happen and I am pleased to be able to provide funding again this year for the Ireland Against Racism Fund so that organisations can continue the great work we see daily in communities up and down the country welcoming and supporting people from all backgrounds.”

Minister Joe O’Brien pictured with members of the National Action Plan Against Racism Steering Group