Local TD Fergus O’Dowd has hit out at Louth County Council for failing to apply for funding under the community recognition fund which has seen €16m plus spent on projects around the country including over €300,000 for projects in neighbouring County Meath. 

Today Minister Heather Humphreys has announced over €16 million to deliver 185 community projects across the country under the community recognition fund and Louth County Council has received €0 as they have yet again failed to submit an application to the department. 

O’Dowd said “The community recognition fund targets projects located in cities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants, Louth has and continues to shoulder it’s fair share of responsibility in this regard as communities have opened their arms time and time again in welcoming people fleeing war and unimaginable circumstances. 

“The Department confirmed in today’s announcement that Louth County Council had not submitted an application, it’s time for the elected members to insist that this inaction does not continue when our county is crying out for this type of funding opportunity. 

“For instance in neighbouring Meath, the council have secured over €100k for Colaiste na hInse for the redevelopment of their basketball area, over €100k for a pedestrian upgrade in Gormanston and over €55k for the Duleek Development association to upgrade their recreational amenities. These are very welcome and will make a significant difference in their respective communities. 

“This news comes on the back of a similarly frustrating situation in June where the Department confirmed to me that Louth County Council had not submitted any application for measure 1 or 3 of the outdoor recreation investment scheme, failing to capitalise on what is an extraordinarily successful scheme which is delivering new infrastructure across the country. 

O’Dowd added “This is simply unacceptable considering the development opportunities we have with in our county, we have a beautiful coastline and unmatched heritage sites and yet again the local authority fails to secure funding. 

“It is time for drastic change within the council as this is simply not good enough for the people of Louth.”