This latest announcement, the third round of projects supported under the 2024 fund, will bring real and tangible benefits to towns and villages across the country, enhancing local amenities and promoting inclusive community development.

The provision of community vehicles and projects supporting the arts and culture sector are also included in today’s announcement.

Speaking on the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Declan Bree, said:

I warmly welcome today’s announcement of over €300,000 in funding for 5 projects in Sligo under the Community Recognition Fund.  This vital funding will make a real difference in our local towns and villages, enabling our communities to enhance facilities, create new opportunities, and continue to build on the wonderful work already being done. 

Speaking today, Minister Calleary said:

“I am very happy to be making a further announcement under the Community recognition Fund which will build on the 349 projects previously announced under the 2024 scheme. The announcement today will mean that over 1,450 projects have now been awarded funding under the Community Recognition Fund in just over two years.

“The Community Recognition Fund continues to support the cities, towns and villages that welcomed new arrivals to their communities in recent years. This funding has enabled communities to be more inclusive and resilient through the provision and enhancement of a range of community facilities and community spaces.”

Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, said:

“I am delighted with today’s announcement which sees a further 212 projects brought to fruition through the Community Recognition Fund.  This fund has now invested €100 million in cities, towns and villages across the country and the difference this funding has made will serve these communities well for many years to come.

“The way in which these communities, welcomed new arrivals is a testament to the Irish people and that ‘meitheal’ which is still part of the fabric of our society, long may it continue.”

Minister Calleary concluded by saying:

“In line with Our Programme for Government and my Department’s policy ‘Our Rural Future’ I am committed to providing supports to our communities both urban and rural. Supports that will enable them to become inclusive, resilient and sustainable places in which to live and raise a family, to visit and to socialise.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of community groups in preparing and submitting applications under the Community Recognition Fund. Through your care and passion for your communities, real change is happening, and community infrastructure is being improved and developed like never before. Working together we are building the communities of the future.”

Area	Project Group	Project Title	Funding approved
Ballygawley	Ballygawley Community Park CLG	Purchase existing amenity park in Ballygawley village	€65,000
Coolaney	Coolaney Development Company CLG	Upgrade of community play space at Coolaney Community Park	€56,461
Keash	Eastern Harps GAA Club CLG	Construction of a permanent storage facility	€53,950
Riverstown	Arrow Harps Football Club CLG	Installation of pitch floodlighting	€88,128
Sligo Town	Sligo County Council	Upgrade of Play Zone within Mitchell Curley Park	€60,000
Total			€323,539