Applications invited for Community Recognition Fund

Applications are presently being invited for the 2024 Community Recognition Fund, which provides financial award to local communities that are hosting high numbers of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.

Tipperary has been allocated more than €1.46 million in this year's fund. The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 and the maximum level is €500,000.

This was welcomed at the April meeting of Tipperary Co Council, though Cllr Seamus Hanafin said there was disappointment among some communities over the allocation of last year's funding. He suggested that there should be a different approach to the distribution of the funding this year.

Cllr Michael O'Meara said some communities are hosting large numbers of refugees, though the local facilities may be in need of upgrade. Borrisokane was one of the first local communities to welcome new arrivals in large number but there is a need to upgrade facilities in order to foster more community involvement in the area, he said.

Director of Services Brian Beck said allocations of the funding are not necessarily determined by the number of refugees in an area, but by the projects proposed by communities. Applications to the fund can be made up to May 3.