The major investment will support a diverse range of projects, including upgrades to sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds, as well as funding for the purchase of buildings and vehicles for community use.
The projects being funded include:
• Ballinamore, County Leitrim : Upgrade of Ballinamore Sports Complex - €357,877
• Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon : Development of a Childcare facility - €500,000
• Tallaght, County Dublin : Development of a Social Space and Theatre - €250,000
• Ennis, County Clare : Resurfacing of Tim Smythe Park Running Track - €140,000
• Portlaoise, County Laois : Upgrade to St Mary’s Sports Hall - €150,000
• Macroom, County Cork : Refurbishment of Coolcower Picnic Area and Extension of footpath to Coolcower House - €100,000
• Fingal, County Dublin : Community Bus to operate within rural Fingal - €100,000
• Tuam, County Galway : Development of Sensory Garden and Dog Park - €74,680
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• Celbridge, County Kildare : Purchase of Youth Hang Out Shelter - €50,000
• Castleconnell, County Limerick : Development of Outdoor Recreation Area including canopy and cinema - €50,000
• Tullamore, County Offaly : Tullamore Town Park Upgrade - €60,000
• Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow : Development of a walkway At Newtown GAA - €100,000
• Rosslare, County Wexford : Redevelopment of Rosslare Harbour Community Playground/Sports Pitch - €100,300
In a statement, Minister Humphreys said: "I'm delighted today to announce €16.5 million for 185 projects right across the country. This major investment, under the Community Recognition Fund, will support the upgrade of sports facilities, community centres, walking trails, parks, playgrounds and so much more.
"The projects are diverse in nature – demonstrating the fact that communities have different needs. All the projects being funded today are designed to bring communities together and make them more vibrant places to live, work and visit. This investment is just the first of a number of tranches that will be announced under the Community Recognition Fund over the coming months.
"This is about giving back and saying thank you to communities for what they do week-in, week-out. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on the ground in communities all across Ireland."
Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O'Brien TD, stated: "The projects being announced today are only the start of the story for 2024. To give community groups and local authorities every opportunity to plan and make best use of these funds, the application process this year is being delivered across 3 phases. The next phase runs up to September 30th and the final phase up to January 31st next year, so there is plenty time to plan and prepare.
"I would encourage community groups to liaise with your local authorities in this regard. I want to commend all of the communities who have worked collaboratively with all stakeholders, I think we can all see what can be achieved when we all put out shoulder to the wheel."
