On Thursday, 5th June 2025, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD announced over €17 million to deliver 212 community projects nationwide through the Community Recognition Fund 2024. This final phase of projects under the fund will support a wide range of projects such as upgrades to community centres, playgrounds, and walking trails.
The Community Recognition Fund 2024 aims to support the development of facilities and infrastructure that benefit entire communities, in recognition of their contributions toward welcoming new arrivals to cities, towns, and villages across the country in recent years.In August 2024, County Wicklow received €694,300 for seven community projects in the first phase of funding.
Wicklow is now set to receive an additional €905,535 for the following projects:
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Arklow
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Arklow Town Team
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Walkway upgrade at Arklow North Beach
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€65,000
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Blessington
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Blessington & District Forum Trails Ltd.
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Resurfacing works at Blessington Greenway
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€150,680
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Bray
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Purple House Cancer Support
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Kitchen redevelopment in Purple House
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€52,800
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Carnew
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Carnew Emmets GAA Club
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Resurfacing of walking track at Carnew Emmets GAA ground
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€115,543
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Greystones
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Greystones Town Team
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Sustainable infrastructure to enhance Greystones community events capacity
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€136,570
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Greystones
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Wicklow County Council
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Upgrade works to Newcastle Playground
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€160,000
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Newtownmountkennedy
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Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre
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Construction of modern toilet block and convert existing toilets off main hall to storage rooms
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€60,000
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Rathdrum
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Rathdrum Development Association
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Walkway upgrade in Parnell Memorial Park
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€43,700
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Wicklow
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Wicklow Town Team Sustainable Energy Community Group
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Window upgrade at De La Salle Pastoral Centre
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€121,242
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Wicklow Total
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€905,535
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In welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O’Brien stated: “This funding will make a significant difference to the local communities who have been so welcoming to new arrivals. The enhancement of local amenities and facilities will benefit whole communities across the county”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman added “This investment acknowledges and recognises our towns and villages that have welcomed new arrivals to their communities in recent years. It will enable our communities to continue their fantastic work by developing and improving facilities and spaces for all.”
Minister Calleary stated: “I would like to acknowledge the efforts of community groups in preparing and submitting applications under the Community Recognition Fund. Through your care and passion for your communities, real change is happening, and community infrastructure is being improved and developed like never before. Working together we are building the communities of the future.”
For the full press release from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, please see gov.ie.