Minister Calleary Announces Over €270,000 in Community Recognition Funding for Roscommon

Roscommon, 5 June 2025

Minister of State Darragh Calleary visited Roscommon yesterday and officially announced  approved projects, totalling in excess of €270,000 under the Community Recognition Fund, which supports towns and villages hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection Applicants.

This tranche of funding was secured under Window 3 of the Fund, with Roscommon County Council submitting targeted proposals to address local needs in areas welcoming significant numbers of new arrivals and supporting the wider community. The four projects that have been approved are:

• South Roscommon Family Resource Centre – Refurbishment and conversion of open-plan space into meeting rooms – €60,929
• Castlerea Town Team – Upgrades to Castlerea Swimming Pool to improve community facilities – €73,000
• Kilbride Community Centre CLG – Upgrade of Kilbride Mini Bus to support community transport – €58,000
• Athlone Municipal District, Roscommon County Council – Delivery of the Monksland Recreational and Playground Permeability Project – €80,000

This investment is part of a broader allocation of €1,002,434 awarded to Roscommon County Council under the 2024 round of the Community Recognition Fund, announced by Ministers Heather Humphreys and Darragh O’Brien in March. The Fund specifically targets communities supporting new arrivals, ensuring that capital investment delivers long-term benefits for both newcomers and existing residents.

Speaking in Roscommon, Minister Calleary said: “This funding reflects the genuine and generous response of Roscommon communities in welcoming people fleeing conflict and seeking protection. These projects will enhance vital community infrastructure and support greater inclusion across the county.”

Roscommon County Council identified priority areas including Athlone, Ballaghaderreen, Ballinlough, Ballyleague, Boyle, Castlerea, Donamon, Frenchpark, Rooskey, and Roscommon Town, using a bottom-up, community-led approach

Projects approved under the Fund were capital in nature, capable of being delivered in 2025–2026, and reflect the real needs of host communities. The funding did not support operational or ongoing costs.

Roscommon County Council acknowledges the vital role of local organisations and volunteers in shaping and supporting their local communities and looks forward to continued collaboration.