Sport has proven to be a big winner in the announcement of €14 million funding for 163 community projects by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
The funding being provided in this wave is going to projects located in those towns, villages and city neighbourhoods that are hosting and supporting new arrivals.
All local authority areas that applied for funding under phase 2 of the Community Recognition Fund 2024 are benefiting from this fund.
Among the sports related projects being funded in this round include:
County Donegal – Letterkenny: Development of walkway and associated works at St Eunan’s GAA club- €80,000
County Mayo – Ballinrobe: Development of an astroturf pitch – €114,620
South Dublin – Clondalkin: Development of a full-size all-weather pitch at St Francis FC – €350,000
County Cavan – Ramor United GAA : Upgrading of Clubhouse and creation of new activity area – €111,749
Cork City – Neptune Basketball Club: Upgrade of retractable seating – €75,000
County Donegal – Tir Chonaill Athletic Club Running Track renovation – €60,000
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown – Wayside Celtic Resurfacing of Astro Pitch – €134,300
Fingal – St Margarets GAA Club Astroturf Installation – €126,802
“In keeping with the government’s renewed commitment to ensuring local communities are supported to make their town, village and parish thriving places to live, work and raise a family, I am very happy to be making this announcement which will see 163 very worthwhile projects receiving funding to deliver key community infrastructure across the country,” said Minister Dara Calleary.
“Through this continued investment under the Community Recognition Fund, to support towns and villages who have welcomed new arrivals, these communities will now enjoy upgrades to their sports facilities, community centres, recreational trails, community parks and play spaces.
“Local authorities who administer this funding have engaged with communities to identify their specific needs which vary from one area to another. The diverse projects I am announcing today address those differing needs.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Sporting bodies are central to so many communities and this is a reward for the work that has been done in making those communities welcoming to new arrivals. We too often see the negative of protests against those that are different but this is a good news story to act as a counter balance.
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