Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
514. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has received a valid application from a band (details supplied) under the community recognition fund 2024, for the development and repair of its band hall and community facilities; when applicants will receive their application reference number; when it is envisaged that decisions will be issued on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23763/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 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 providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide who have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. To further support communities, on March 15th last I announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund.
The additional funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in cities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.
Under this new round of funding, Tipperary County Council have been awarded funding of €1,465,434 which brings the total funding provided to county Tipperary under the Community Recognition Fund to over €2.4million.
Local authorities are required to engage and collaborate with communities to identify the most appropriate projects for support. It is a matter for each local authority to identify the most appropriate locations for funding based on their analysis of the level of arrivals in each location, and in the context of previous funding supports and local needs.
Once the local authority has identified potential projects, it can submit funding proposals to my Department across three phases. The phased closing dates for receipt of applications are May 31st, September 30th and January 31st, 2025. My Department has not yet received proposals for funding from Tipperary County Council. Therefore I have not yet received any proposals in respect of the band hall referred to by the deputy. It will be a matter for Tipperary County Council to decide on the projects to submit for consideration.
I look forward to receiving applications under the first phase by May 31st. These will then be considered by my Department and I will announce the successful projects shortly thereafter.
