The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, €16.5 million to deliver 185 community projects across the country. The major investment will support a diverse range of projects such as upgrades to sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds. As part of the initiative, funding is provided to support the purchase of buildings and vehicles for community use.
The Community Recognition Fund 2024 aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the entire community, 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.
The Fund, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, follows an extensive consultation process with local authorities who submitted their individual list of projects for approval.
Wicklow is set to receive funding for the below projects in this phase:
| Wicklow | Carnew | Old Coolattin County Club CLG and Wicklow County Council | Carnew Community Land Development | €150,000 |
| Wicklow | Dunlavin | Dunlavin GAA Club | Development of multi-use games area | €144,000 |
| Wicklow | Dunlavin | Imaal Hall Committee | Facilities Upgrade | €60,800 |
| Wicklow | Newtownmountkennedy | Newtown GAA | Development of a Walkway | €100,000 |
| Wicklow | Arklow | Arklow Town Team | Upgrade to St. Peter’s Place Playground | €135,000 |
| Wicklow | Bray | Bray Area Partnership | Purchase of new vehicle | €50,000 |
| Wicklow | Rathdrum | Rathdrum Playground Committee | Park Placemaking Project | €54,500 |
| Wicklow Total | €694,300 |
In welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien stated: “This funding will make a huge difference to the local communities, who are continuously striving to develop their local amenities in the County. Thanks to Minister Humphreys and the Department of Rural and Community Development officials for their continued support for Wicklow”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, added that: “This exceptional investment will further fund the communities that have enthusiastically supported the new arrivals into their local area. Through this fund, they can develop and enhance some of the fantastic facilities in our communities so more and more people can access and enjoy them”.
The Department of Rural and Community Development has published the full details of the scheme (including funding allocations). For further information please see gov.ie
Wicklow County Council wishes to thank the public for their interest in this scheme and advise that there will be a further call for the next phase applications in late 2024.