Community Recognition Fund 2024

The projects span a broad spectrum of community needs, from upgrading local sports facilities and community centres to enhancing walking trails and playgrounds. Each project is tailored to meet the unique needs of its community, reflecting the government’s dedication to empowering local initiatives that foster community spirit and development.The funding will not only improve local infrastructure but also enhance social cohesion by providing safe and inclusive spaces for community members to gather, interact, and engage in healthy activities. See the list of 20 projects which have been allocated funding in County Clare.

Background to the scheme

Projects situated in areas that do not have high levels of new arrivals will not be deemed eligible.

Locations eligible for this funding include:

Ballyvaughan, Bellharbour, Bodyke, Bunratty, Clarecastle, Doolin, Ennis, Inch, Killaloe, Kilbaha, Kilkee, Kilmaley, Kilrush, Knockalisheen, Lahinch, Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna, Miltown Malbay, New Market-on-Fergus, Scariff, Shannon, Tulla.

Note: Additional towns and villages may be considered for inclusion at a later stage should numbers and locations change during 2024.

The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries. Projects to be funded will be capital in nature, deliver medium-long term benefits for the communities in which they are located, and be capable of being delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026. The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 with a maximum of €500,000 applying. Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000 – while the 2023 scheme provided funding for small scale investment in clubs and communities (e.g. for small scale equipment), the focus of the 2024 scheme is on projects of greater scale and impact.

Types of projects eligible for funding

• Development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas
• Development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc
• Enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours
• Purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g. music, arts or sports equipment
• Transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards (any vehicle funded must be in good condition and not more than 5 years old)
• Projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives
• Purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.

Howto apply

This scheme is closed for 2024