Funding for groups in Swords who need a premises is being made available under the Government’s Community Recognition Fund 2024.
This funding is being directed to areas who have taken a high number of Ukranians or people seeking international protection and Swords has made the list.
The first call on this funding starts on Monday (April 8th) and it is being targeted to new or emerging community groups and clubs who do not have a permanent home. The funding is for significant projects between €50k and €500k.
The first call states:
The Council is targeting the first call for funding to meeting the emerging needs of new community groups/clubs or existing clubs who have a need for a premises.
In this call the Council will seek to acquire land or a building to meet the need(s) of community groups/clubs. The Council is seeking expressions of interest from new community groups/clubs or existing clubs who have need for a premises. Community groups/clubs who wish to apply for funding under Call 1 must be:
- registered with the Fingal PPN
- have a minimum of 80% of their members living in the administrative area of Fingal
- be constituted for at least 12 months
be located in areas which have welcomed high levels of new arrivals:
- Swords
- Howth
- Castleknock
- Blanchardstown
- Skerries
- Donabate
- Balbriggan
The application form also notes:
Applicants are advised that where a project proposal is for the acquisition of land/building that the Council is required to make the acquisition directly. Acquisitions will be subject to the availability of suitable land/buildings in the area and the market value of the land/buildings within the funding criteria set out above.
Applicants are advised that where an acquisition is made to meet a community group/club need that any refurbishment/redevelopment work required to the land/building will be subject to the availability of additional funding and subject to planning permission, if required.
Applications which meet the needs of a number of community groups/clubs will be prioritised i.e. where groups/clubs come together in a network of 3 or more different community groups who are willing to co-locate and share responsibility for the operation/ maintenance of the building as co-tenants. Interested community groups/clubs should carefully consider their requirements and the possible costs involved in terms of the future operation and maintenance of a facility by the group/club when submitting an expression of interest under this Call. The application form should be completed fully and include as much information as possible with detail provided on the community groups/clubs involved in the application.
To apply for the first call fo the Community Recognition Fund please click here.
(Please note this link will not open until 9am Monday 8th April, Closing date 5pm Friday 26th April)
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“This is an extremely important funding stream for clubs in community groups in Swords. So many groups have to travel outside the town to find a home. This could open doors for so many groups or clubs. This is a competitive funding call so applications will need to strong. They clearly favour groups working together to gain a facility. If your club would like help with the application or your would like to pair with another group please get in contact and I’ll work with you to maximise this funding for the Swords area.“
