€1.6 Million For Wicklow Communities Who Have Welcomed Citizens From Ukraine & Other Countries.

The communities that will benefit are Greystones, Bray, Arklow, Rathdrum, Wicklow Town and Baltinglass.

Minister and Wicklow TD Simon Harris has today announced that seven communities across Wicklow will benefit from over €1.6 million in funding under the first ever Community Recognition Fund.

The Fund was set up to support and reward communities that have welcomed families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.

The communities that will benefit from the major investment are Greystones, Bray, Arklow, Rathdrum, Wicklow Town and Baltinglass.

The projects range from sports facilities, upgrades to community spaces, equipment for sports clubs, outdoor projects, playground upgrades and more.

Minister Harris has confirmed that the projects being funded are:

• Bray Community Centre: €340,000 for various works and improvements
• Baltinglass Community Park: €425,000 for the Riverside Walking Path, a new playground and a refurbishment to the MUGA sports facility
• Bray Parish Centre: €150,000 for various works and improvements
• Wicklow Town Place Making Project: €340,000 for refurbishment of the Assembly Hall
• Arklow Playing Pitch: €121,200 for groundworks, a multi-use pitch, fencing and landscaping
• Rathdrum Community Park: €79,645 for groundworks, fencing, benches and other improvements
• Greystones Community Park: €145,000 for a boules playground ground and other improvements.

Announcing the funding, Minister Harris said:

“I am delighted that such substantial funding has been secured for County Wicklow under the first ever Community Recognition Fund.

“I have worked very closely with my Government colleague, Minister Heather Humphreys, to ensure Wicklow projects secured significant investment under this fund.

“These projects are being delivered in communities that have done so much in terms of welcoming in people from Ukraine and other countries around the world.

“I know as Minister for Justice the huge efforts communities have made.”

“I want to say a huge thank you to the communities on the ground, and I know this funding will make such a big difference right across County Wicklow.”