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.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Bree has welcomed the announcement saying:

This funding not only brings our communities together but also serves as a testament to the unwavering support and dedication shown by members of local voluntary groups.  We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on our local communities.

Speaking today, 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, said the government is committed to supporting communities in their efforts in welcoming new arrivals from other countries:

“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.”

Area	Project	Funding approved
Monasteraden	Provision of new playground on community lands at Monasteraden, Co. Sligo.	€199,102
Sligo/Cleveragh	Sligo Regional Sports Complex Upgrade Works	€199,720
Sligo/Rosses Point	Rosses Point Outdoor Swimming Pool Upgrade Works	€50,000
Sligo/Ballisodare	Ballisodare Community Park Upgrade Works	€118,685
Sligo Town	Installation of an All weather Astro sports pitch	€70,370
Enniscrone	Provision of lighting at running track and walkway routes	€150,000
Gurteen	Carpark upgrade at Gurteen Celtic FC.	€77,520
Strandhill	Replacement of existing synthetic surface with new 3G carpet shock pad and fill	€90,573
Sligo/ Grange	NSAC Grange track upgrade	€177,582
Tubbercurry	Upgrade to community playground and provision of pump track at Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo	€198,660
Total		€1,332,212