Councillors approve €260,000 in grants to community groups and projects in Fingal

COUNCILLORS have voted to approve substantial funding grants of just over €260,000 to 218 community groups and projects in Fingal at the monthly meeting of Fingal County Council on Monday.

The grants will support communities in restarting activities and events that had been delayed due to COVID-19.

This funding is set to go to groups and projects as follows:

• Covid-19 Grants:                                        €74,424 granted to 76 groups
• Youth Sports Grants:                                  €115,200 granted to 96 groups
• Summer Projects:                                       €32,300 granted to 18 projects
• Community Activity & Arts Grants:              €38,331granted to 28 groups

The money will support specific groups and projects in Fingal communities in responding to the specific challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and will help them to hold events safely.

The Funding Scheme has been developed as a response to the Covid-19 crisis and is managed by the Community Development Office.

All applicants will need to prove their event or activities will adhere to government Covid-19 guidelines to safeguard volunteers and support vulnerable members in the community.

Speaking after the approval, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. David Healy said:

“It was important that this funding was approved as it provides the necessary supports for many community groups and projects across Fingal that have been hit hard by Covid-19.

“While we are still dealing with the virus it is important to learn how to live with it in whatever safe way we can, and this will help our communities to get active again.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said:

“The funding that was approved on Monday night will help community groups to start to organise holding events and activities again, which had been postponed or cancelled over the past few months due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“This funding will go towards planning these activities in a safe way to continue to adhere to the guidelines while allowing the communities to restart their lives.

“I would like to thank the councillors for working alongside us to get this funding through.”

Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing and Community for Fingal County Council said:

“The past few months have been difficult times for communities and helping our citizens, young and old, to get involved in activities and events again is very important for overall mental health especially as we are facing into the winter months.

“The funding awarded is over and above the amount allocated in the annual budget and is in addition to the €175,000 already approved from January to August.

“This funding will provide the support that communities need to get out and be active again through activities and projects in the county.“

Each community group is advised that they are responsible for ensuring all volunteers and participants follow public health guidance in relation to the Covid-19 crisis www.hse.ie