In March 2024, Wicklow County Council welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, along with her colleague Minister Joe O’Brien TD, regarding the allocation of €1,584,550 to Wicklow under the 2024 Community Recognition Fund. This funding is part of a larger investment of €50 million in national funding for project delivery over 2025 and 2026.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the significant efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting newcomers to Ireland. The fund aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the entire community, acknowledging the contributions made by local communities in accommodating arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
Eligibility for this scheme is limited to areas with high levels of new arrivals.
Earlier this year, Wicklow County Council sought expressions of interest for project proposals during the scheme's first phase, resulting in the approval of €694,300 for seven community projects. The final application window is now open for submissions, which will be accepted until 4pm on Friday, 10th January, 2025. Funded projects must be capital in nature, provide medium to long-term benefits for their communities, and be capable of being completed in 2025 or 2026.
An online information session about the scheme will be held on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, at 5:30pm. Details regarding registration for this session and the ‘Expression of Interest’ application form can be found on the Wicklow County Council website.
https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/Services/Community/Community-Funding-Support/Community-Recognition-Fund-2024
In welcoming the funding announcement earlier this year, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien stated: “This funding will make an enormous difference to the local communities, who are continuously striving to develop their local amenities in the County. Thanks to Minister Humphreys and the Department of Rural and Community Development officials for their continued support for Wicklow.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, added that: “This exceptional investment will further fund the communities that have warmly welcome new arrivals into their local area. Through this fund, they can develop and enhance some of the fantastic facilities in our communities, ensuring that more and more people can access and enjoy them.”