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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 62 together.

I thank Deputy Kerrane for raising this matter. On 24 January I launched the €50 million community recognition fund which 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. This funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the beneficiaries of temporary protection and-or international protection applicants. 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 from any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine.

The funding will be drawn down over 2023 and 2024, and projects will be delivered in the main by local authorities in conjunction with community organisations. The fund is being administered at a local level by local authorities which are developing funding proposals. Each funding proposal is developed based on direct engagement with impacted communities and in consultation with the municipal districts, local community development committees and the local community response fora. Proposals should also be consistent with the local economic and community plans. It is essential the funding is targeted at and specifically invested in those communities, villages and towns where the highest levels of new arrivals are located and where there is a clear need for investment identified. The types of projects eligible for funding include community or cultural facilities, including play areas, walkways, parks, community gardens, allotments and recreational areas; local club and sports facilities; enhancement of openly accessible school and parish facilities; equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations; and the purchase and refurbishment of buildings or land for the development of community facilities.

Funding proposals are to be submitted to my Department by mid-March. This allows seven weeks for local authorities to engage directly with the impacted communities and to develop quality proposals. I must again reiterate that my Department has made it clear to all local authorities that proposals which do not display adequate levels of community engagement and appropriate targeting of support will not be approved. In addition, my Department is also providing supports to impacted communities through the social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, and the volunteer centres. I encourage communities to engage directly with their local authorities to identify the needs in their area and to ensure high-quality projects are delivered which will benefit their communities, villages and towns for years to come.

This is an opportunity for communities to identify projects they have long considered and long thought about. This is their chance to work with the local authority, engage with it and submit an application. I thank the Deputy for raising this. The fact we are raising it here today is creating the awareness that this fund is in place and we want it spent. There is €50 million in it. It is a big fund. We want the applications.

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