Communities which have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries will receive funding for development projects, a Dublin Mid West TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins welcomed the overall Community Recognition Fund of €50 million announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, which is the first of its kind designed specifically to boost communities around the country which have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.
“South Dublin County Council has been allocated €2,754,305 to invest in our communities who have really stepped up in recent weeks and months, opening up their homes and facilities to people who are fleeing from war and very much in need,” Deputy Higgins said.
Projects which 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
Deputy Higgins added: “The projects that will be supported will benefit the whole community, young and old alike. “Communities will be enabled to develop and deliver initiatives that directly address their local needs. It could be used for transport infrastructure such as the purchase of a community vehicle or bus shelter, or it could be used to develop sports clubs or for arts and music. “I really encourage local community groups to engage with South Dublin County Council to assess how funding might be accessed and best utilised,” Deputy Higgins concluded.
