NEW COMMUNITY RECOGNITION FUND
Wicklow County Council is to receive a total of €1,680,887 from the Government’s Community Recognition Fund.
The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages which are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants (“new arrivals”) including towns identified for the rapid build homes programme.
It aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community.
Now the Council wants to hear from the public about what projects should receive funding.
Details of the €50m fund were announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, and Minister of State Joe O’Brien. The fund aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
Among the projects that will be supported are:
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
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley, said: “This funding is acknowledging the wonderful support that Wicklow County’s communities have offered to the new arrivals to our County from Ukraine and other countries”.
Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Mr Brian Gleeson stated: ”Through this fund, Wicklow County can develop and enhance some of the fantastic facilities in our communities so more and more people can access and enjoy them.”
Feedback is sought now from the public with the link to the public consultation survey available on the Wicklow County Council website and various social media platforms.
Anyone wishing to have a say on the Community Recognition Fund, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HTD3DPY . The deadline for completion of this online survey is Friday, 3rd March 2023