William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is good news. I take it that the Minister is going to have the fund available in 2025. The aim is to complete and maintain community development initiatives and plan for future needs. The enhanced social cohesion measure was great for the community. The promotion of the health and well-being element was too. Numerous people and clubs have benefited from walking tracks. There has been a major benefit to the community. The empowerment of the local organisations that got involved was great for everybody.

In my native County Laois, the community recognition fund had a positive impact, through several key projects, in Portlaoise, Ballylinan and Rathdowney. The Minister will know of all the people who benefited in his county, Mayo. The successful projects in Laois are key examples of the benefits of the community recognition fund. Extending the fund to 2025 would ensure even more communities can benefit from financial support, leading to a stronger and more inclusive society. I thank the Minister for considering this vital extension to the fund, which has already proven it can enhance the well-being of communities across Ireland.

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