Communities hosting large numbers of refugees will get grants of up to €500k
News Lazarov/rolling Sasko Queueing picture: Office In On Outside The Asylum St International Seekers Protection Dublin Mount
Communities that have taken in a significant number of Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers are set to receive up to €500,000 for the refurbishment of buildings, development of parks and playgrounds.
The understands that a second round of the Community Recognition Fund, worth €50m, will be discussed at a Cabinet committee on Ukraine on Thursday.
Consideration is also being given to deploying more gardaí from the Garda National Immigration Bureau to high-risk airports abroad to clamp down on people destroying their travel documentation.
It is also understood that Education Minister Norma Foley has sought €125m in capital for extra capacity in schools for this year alone.
Ministers and departmental officials will meet to discuss an update on the State’s migration policy and how to respond to pressure across the country.
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman is also expected to update colleagues about his long-term plan to accommodate asylum seekers.
Two Government sources confirmed a second round of the Community Recognition Fund is being proposed, but with tweaks.
It will focus on the delivery of larger-scale projects which are more impactful for communities.
A source pointed to the decision by the Government to agree in principle to purchase a community hotel in Roscrea, Co Tipperary.
It is understood the €50m will be ringfenced over next year and 2026 and will be allocated to counties based on the number of arrivals in each local authority. Each county council will need to apply to the Department of Rural and Community Development with an outline of the projects they want to undertake and evidence of local consultation.
In contrast to the initial fund, which was also worth €50m, it is understood this round of funding would give local authorities more flexibility. Councils would be required to submit three sets of proposed projects rather than the previous eight-week application timeframe.
A minimum of €50,000 is proposed with a maximum of €500,000 with scope for higher funding in exceptional circumstances. Local authorities are to be given flexibility on what the funding can be spent on but it will include projects that help address dereliction, the purchasing or refurbishment of buildings including community or cultural facilities, as well as the development of parks and playgrounds, and the purchase of equipment.
The fund’s conditions will state there can be no impact on existing local services arising from the projects proposed, sources said.
It is also understood that, in relation to the renovation and purchase of buildings, if a project does not fall within the minimum or maximum levels of funding, other funding schemes already in place could be utilised. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has sent a detailed fact sheet to TDs and senators, explaining the State’s immigration policy in a bid to counter disinformation.
It comes as The Taoiseach asked for help from TDs in the Dáil to set out the facts about the State’s immigration policy.