Tipperary County Council to host Community Recognition Fund webinar

Tipperary County Council are hosting a webinar for groups applying to the Community Recognition Fund this Friday.

Director of Services for Economic, Community and Rural Development Brian Beck told councillors at this week’s sitting of

Tipperary County Council that his department hopes to head off some of the issues of last year’s process.

Councillors at the meeting expressed their concern that many groups were not included in last year’s allocations.

They said they felt they were as or more deserving than those who did receive funding.

Councillor Seamus Hanafin said that while Moycarkey has done amazing work, there are more refugees in Thurles.

He said many groups were “bitterly disappointed” with the decisions made last year.

“I think this time something has to be done differently because that is the feeling in Thurles,” said Cllr Hanafin.

Cllr John Carroll said he thought there should be recognition for all communities, not just those who work with refugees.

Cllr Michael O’Meara asked if it was just Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection or IPAs who were supported by the grant.

Mr Beck said it is important to understand allocations are not determined by the number of refugees in an area but the projects proposed, the group’s ability to meet the timeline and the requirements.

Mr Beck emphasised that the Community Recognition Fund has nothing to do with accommodation.

“This is about the community. It’s not about providing accommodation for refugees but the community they are living in,” said Mr Beck.

The Community Recognition Fund provides funding for facilities and infrastructure in towns and villages that have supported asylum seekers and refugees.

It is administered by the Department of Rural Development and aims to recognise the contribution of communities in welcoming those seeking safety from countries outside of Ireland.

Details of the webinar will be available in the next couple of days.