Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his words of condolence.

In May 2023, €50 million in funding was announced for more than 880 proposals under the community recognition fund. The entire €50 million has been allocated across all local authorities, based on the number of new arrivals located here. It follows an extensive consultation process with local authorities. Each local authority submitted individual lists of projects for approval. Some €30 million of the fund was available in 2023 and €20 million in 2024. Of the €30 million, almost €10 million allocated for the community recognition fund has been spent, providing funding for 60 projects. Of the remaining €40 million, provision of €30 million was made in 2024. That is €20 million of a carry over and €10 million allocated in 2024. The rest is available when needed by supplementary requests, if necessary.

If we need any more we can get it but this is the way we have outlined it for this year. The problem is some of these are big projects and it will take longer for them to get up and running. It is about making sure we have enough money but if they go better than anticipated, we can get a Supplementary Estimate. That is the plan.