Community groups across Clare share almost €3m in grants
COMMUNITY groups and organisations across Clare are to share almost €3m of funding for projects.
The Department of Rural and Community Development has allocated the money under its community recognition fund.
It's designed to support and reward communities who have welcomed families and citizens from war-torn Ukraine and further afield.
The projects which are getting money range from large-scale sports facility upgrades to community centres, outdoor walkways and equipment.
Among the successful Clare grant applicants are Ennis Scouts, which will receive funding for transport infrastructure including a trailer, wheelchair ramp, plus CPR training equipment.
The damaged equipment at Lisdoonvarna playground will also be replaced.
A base for Shannon's Tidy Towns group is funded as part of this grant, while over in Ballyvaughan, a multi-use games area is planned.
The West Clare Family Resource Centre will see portable sensory pods. And in Killaloe, there is funding to develop a sensory garden.
Clare County Council leader Tony O'Brien said: "This funding allocation is very positive news for communities in Clare who have worked tirelessly to strengthen the sense of belonging for our guests from Ukraine. I am delighted to see so many communities successful in their grant applications and I look forward to seeing the funding going to use in the near future.”
Clare County Council chief Pat Dowling added: "I would like to commend the contribution of communities across the county in responding to high levels of new arrivals of Ukrainian nationals. I look forward to seeing the funding of these community projects progressing and being delivered for the benefit of all across County Clare.”
The €50 million Community Recognition Fund has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there.
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.