Expressions of Interest
In March 2024, The Department of Rural & Community Development has announced details of a further €50 million fund to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution of communities in hosting new arrivals in the county. This fund has been allocated to Local Authorities based on the numbers of new arrivals located there. Under the 2024 scheme, Kerry County Council has received an allocation of €3,946,095. Further details of this announcement are available from the DRCD Webpage

The terms of this fund require Kerry County Council to reserve at least 20% of the funding allocation for submissions under the January 2025 application window. Applications are now invited for funding under this window. (Window 3)

The terms of the fund are set out in the Scheme Outline document that accompanied the funding announcement and this document forms the basis for the principles for distribution of the fund within Co. Kerry, in particular that the funding is targeted at those communities, villages and towns where the highest levels of New Arrivals are located.

For 2024, there are a number of significant changes to the funding scheme from the 2023 scheme including:

1. The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000. It is not permissible to combine smaller projects to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000
2. Projects over €175,000 must provide additional information outlining the specific need for the project. A Template for providing an individual business case has been provided by DRCD.
3. The Fund (CRF 2024) will be delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026 and a minimum of 50% of the funding allocation must be drawn down in 2025.
4. Funding proposals can be submitted to DRCD across separate application windows in 2024 and 2025. Each Local Authority must reserve at least 20% of the funding allocation for submissions under the 2025 application window.
5. Planning permission and consents must now be in place BEFORE funding is awarded. Project Groups who have already secured planning permission, are exempt from planning requirements, or whose project does not require planning may proceed once approved by KCC and DRCD. Where applicable, a Planning Permission Reference Number must be provided to the DRCD.

The purpose of this Open Call is to invite applications for consideration for funding under the 2025 application window from the following host communities:

• Killarney
• Tralee
• Banna / Ardfert
• Kenmare
• Caherciveen
• Killorglin (includes Cromane)
• Glenbeigh / Rossbeigh
• Caherdaniel
• Ballybunion
• Dingle / An Daingean

Funding allocations will reflect the national allocation model i.e. aligned to pro-rata numbers of new arrivals being hosted in each community.

A Fund of approximately €770,000 will be allocated for small to medium scale capital projects “that will deliver tangible benefits for communities” with projects ranging in value from €50,000 to €200,000 which are proposed by community groups, cultural organisations, sporting clubs etc. in these host communities.

Preference will be given to eligible projects which are proposed by voluntary organisations and NGOs who are directly involved in the provision of supports to communities and New Arrivals and who are aligned with the Kerry Community Integration Forum and associated Local Area Response Teams for projects and facilities that can be used by all members of the community.

Preference will also be given to community projects that would meet the objectives of the County Development Plan, Local Area Plan or Local Economic & Community Plan as appropriate or that would complete or complement existing projects or measures that meet the objectives of these plans.

The type of projects eligible for funding in this Open Call are as set out in Section D of the Scheme Outline and include:

• development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens including communication boards, allotments, and recreational areas;
• development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.;
• enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
• purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g. music, arts or sports equipment;
• transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards; and

Note that it is a requirement of the scheme to demonstrate the number of new arrivals in the town or village and completed application forms must include these numbers. The assessment and approval of all projects submitted under this call will also have regard to a number of other factors including:

• Compliance with the terms outlined in Community Recognition Fund Scheme Outline in particular the eligible projects outlined in Section D and the requirement that projects are beneficial to the community generally;
• Alignment with the County Development Plan, the Local Economic and Community Plan and where applicable, the Climate Action Plan. Specifically, applicants will need to demonstrate how their project factors in climate change / biodiversity considerations ;
• Ability to complete the project within the timelines prescribed in the Scheme Outline i.e. 50% drawdown of funding in 2025 and 100% drawdown by November 2026;
• All appropriate financial, public procurement and accounting rules and regulations must be complied with as set out in Section M Funding Conditions of the Scheme Outline;
• Confirmation that the funding has not been used as a co-funding source for other Government Departments’ Schemes including the Community Recognition Fund 2023 or that evidence is provided to show that the application is complementary to, or a different phase of, an existing project;
• Proposals must demonstrate close collaboration with communities and business interests in the design and delivery of the proposed projects;
• The range, mix, quality and impact of proposed projects, having regard to the available funding;
• Other relevant considerations including the requirement to have planning consents and/or landowners consents in place, where necessary, or in the case of a lease, evidence that a valid lease is in place for a period not less than 15 years;

Application Forms for Projects are available below and completed application forms should be submitted to [email protected]  by 5:00pm on Friday 6^th December 2024

Queries in relation to this Fund and the Public Call for Applications may be made by calling 066 7183652 or by emailing [email protected]

• Scheme Outline
• Application Form (ENG)
• Foirm Iarratas (GA)