Dillon encourages Mayo groups to apply for 2024 Community Recognition Fund

MAYO TD Alan Dillon is encouraging communities across Mayo to apply for funding for projects under the newly launched Community Recognition Fund.

The Fine Gael TD said a further €50 million in funding has been added for 2024 to bring the total investment to €100 million. In Mayo, a total of €2,428,540 will be allocated to various projects, an increase of €200,000 on 2023.

“The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in supporting cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.

“Nearly €2.5 million was invested in 46 projects such as playgrounds, skateparks, community enhancements, outdoor recreational and community facilities and equipment, recreational walking trails and community transport initiatives in towns across Mayo last year including Knockmore, Ballina, Crossmolina, Bonniconlon, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Pontoon, Castlebar, Kiltimagh, Breaffy, Castlebar, Islandeady, Balla, Westport, Murrisk and Achill.

“Under today’s announcement, a further €50 million is being provided again to deliver projects over 2024 and 2025,” he explained.

Deputy Dillon said local authorities, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.

Projects that will be funded include the 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 and transport infrastructure such as community vehicles.

Deputy Dillon commended his colleague, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development who launched the fund along with Minister Joe O’Brien.

“I am very pleased they have announced an additional €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund. This allocation will double the funding provided by the Department to €100 million in supporting communities across the country who have responded to the humanitarian crisis in welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries.

“I know communities the length and breadth of the country have really stepped up to the plate in recent months in terms of welcoming families from Ukraine or those seeking asylum from other countries.

“This funding is about recognising the efforts and the generosity that so many communities showed during what has been a challenging time for our country,” he said.

Deputy Dillon added that local authorities can submit funding proposals to the Department of Rural and Community Development in phases, which will allow them to respond to changing circumstances during the year.