Clare County Council has announced details of an almost 3 million euro fund allocated towards 35 Clare towns and villages hosting Ukranian refugees and asylum seekers.
The Community Recognition Fund, announced earlier this month, is designed to support and reward communities that have welcomed families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.
78 projects ranging from large-scale multi-purpose sports facilities to upgrades to community centres, equipment for sports clubs, outdoor walkways, playgrounds, community buses and equipment for festivals were successful in this county.
The biggest winners were in the North Clare Electoral Area, with Lisdoonvarna receiving over €590,000 for six separate projects, €380,000 of which will contribute to a new floodlit mixed used games area and the regeneration of an existing astro-turf playing pitch.
Ballyvaughan scooped €272,000 for the development of its own mixed use games area, while Ennistymon was attributed €120,000 for the refurbishment of public toilets.
There’s good news for West Clare as Kilkee has been allocated approximately €220,000 for essential upgrade and maintenance works which will facilitate the continued operation of Kilkee Waterworld.
Elsewhere, in Ennis, over €35,000 will be invested in the parkmagic app to help blue badge holders identify disabled parking spots, while public lighting enhancements and footpath remediation will be developed at Ballyalla Lake to the tune of €132,500.
In East Clare, an allocation of €115,000 will create a community bandstand in Bunratty.
Meanwhile a further €230,000 will provide outdoor exercise equipment throughout the Shannon Municipal District, the installation of Solar Panels at Shannon Leisure centre and a new headquarters for Shannon Tidy Towns.
Finally, Bodyke Hurling club are county champions in terms of funding with, receiving €110,000 for car park upgrades, sports equipment and a community hall extension.
