Grants totalling more than €3.1 million were pumped into Galway as part of Government recognition of local communities who have welcomed migrants into their areas in the past year.

More than 36 projects in Galway City and County were supported under the Community Recognition Fund in 2023.

Oranmore, Athenry, An Cheathrú Rua, Clifden, Maam Cross, Tuam, Carna, An Spidéal, Claregalway, Oughterard, Kinvara, Glenamaddy, Bearna, Letterfrack, Gort, Loughrea, Kiltormer, and Clonbur, as well as several areas across Galway City all benefited.

The fund was set up to “specifically support communities across the country that are hosting people from Ukraine and other countries”.

The money was channelled through local authorities based on the number of migrants each area took.

Galway City Council was given more than €1.8m and Galway County Council was given more than €1.3m.

In Galway, a range of projects were supported with substantial grant aid including playground upgrades, new bus shelters, community centre refurbishments, enhancements to civic buildings owned by the Councils, refurbishments and repairs to sports facilities.

The two big ‘winners’ in the county were communities in Oranmore and An Cheathrú Rua.

Oranmore was given a grant of €157,510 for playground equipment and park benches; and An Cheathrú Rua got €143,936 for refurbishments to the community centre and astro turf pitch upgrade.

Caption: Oranmore playground…additional facilities

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