The Department of Rural and Community Development and Limerick City & County Council invite Expressions of Interest for funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.
This major initiative, is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed families and citizens from Ukraine and / or International Protection Applicants. The fund aims to support the development or improvement of facilities that will benefit the broader community into the future.
The scheme details set out that only areas which have high levels of new arrivals will be deemed eligible for this scheme. In Limerick those areas include:
Abbeyfeale, Ardagh, Askeaton, Bruff, Cappamore, Castleconnell, Clarina/Ballybrown, Foynes, Glin, Hospital, Kildimo, Kilfinnane, Kilmallock, Limerick City and Urban Suburbs, Newcastle West, Shanagolden
Limerick City and County Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for capital projects in the areas listed above.
This fund is for capital costs only – Operational Costs/salaries/programs will not be eligible.
Projects to be funded will be capital in nature, deliver medium-long term benefits for the communities in which they are located, and be capable of being delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026. A minimum spend of 50% of the allocation must be incurred in 2025.
The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 with a maximum of €500,000 applying. Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000 – while the 2023 scheme provided funding for small scale investment in clubs and communities (e.g. for small scale equipment), the focus of the 2024 scheme is on projects of greater scale and impact. For projects over €200,000 additional information must be provided at application stage giving further details on the needs identified in the location, the engagement and collaboration that resulted in the selection of the location and specific project and the capacity of the community to progress the proposed project in line with the terms and conditions attached to the funding.
The DRCD has advised that a maximum of €500,000 can be exceeded in very exceptional cases based on the provision of a business case from the relevant local authority, therefore groups need to contact LCCC in advance of submitting EOI if they wish to apply for funding over €500,000.
Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000 – while the 2023 scheme provided funding for small scale investment in clubs and communities (e.g. for small scale equipment), the focus of the 2024 scheme is on projects of greater scale and impact.
Type of projects eligible for funding are:
- development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
- development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.;
- enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
- transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards; (any vehicle funded must be in good condition and not more than 5 years old)
- purchase equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g. music, arts or sports equipment;
- projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives;
- purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.
- Purchase of land and associated works for the development of community facilities such as play areas/ MUGAs or town parks/ community gardens, recreational areas etc. (purchases must only be administered by the local authority).
This funding should not be used as a co-funding source for any other scheme operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development or any other Government Department, nor should this funding be used as a co-funding source for any other project funded under CRF 2023.
In order to assist Communities who may wish to engage in the funding for projects in the areas outlined above, the following information events are scheduled at the following locations and times.
Monday, 29th April 2024
- NCW Municipal District Office Chamber 10:30hrs – 12:30hrs
- Adare Rathkeale MD Office Chamber Office 14:00hrs-15:00hrs
Tuesday, 30th April 2024
- Kilmallock MD Office 10:30hrs-12:30hrs & 14:00hrs-16:00hrs
Wednesday, 1st May 2024
- Council Chamber, Merchant’s Quay 10:30hrs – 12:30hrs
- Dooradoyle Council Chamber 14:00hrs-16:00hrs
Please click "Next Page" below to begin your application. Remember to save your draft as you go (this option is only available if you chose to create account in MyPoint). When you finish, be sure to click “Submit”, otherwise we will not receive your application.
Closing Date: Sunday 12th May 2024
For further information please visit Community Recognition Fund 2024 | Limerick.ie
