A total of 163 community projects across Ireland will be delivered after more than €14 million in supportive funding was officially announced.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, announced the investment from the Community Recognition Fund which will support a diverse range of projects, including upgrades and enhancements to much needed sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds.

Among the projects being funded are:

• Cork City – McCurtain Street: Development of a Youth Centre and Youth Café - €150,000

• County Donegal - Letterkenny: Development of walkway and associated works at St Eunan's GAA club- €80,000

• Dublin City – Coleraine Street, Dublin 7: Refurbishment works at the Social Enterprise Hub at the Inner City Enterprise - €400,000

• Galway City – Fr Griffin Road: Upgrade and accessibility enhancement to Fr Burke Park - €240,000

-- Advertisement --

• County Louth – Drogheda: Upgrade and replacement of sensory garden and playground equipment at the Abacas Special School - €69,863

• County Leitrim - Dromahair: Refurbishment of Dromahair Garda Station and change of use to community hub and men's shed- €176,590

• County Mayo - Ballinrobe: Development of an astro-turf pitch - €114,620

• South Dublin - Clondalkin: Development of a full-size all-weather pitch at St Francis FC - €350,000.

Discussing the investment, Minister Calleary said: "I am very happy to be making this announcement which will see 163 very worthwhile projects receiving funding to deliver key community infrastructure across the country.

"Through this continued investment under the Community Recognition Fund, to support towns and villages who have welcomed new arrivals, these communities will now enjoy upgrades to their sports facilities, community centres, recreational trails, community parks and play spaces."

The Minister added: "This investment is just one part of the Community Recognition Fund. The closing date for the next phase of applications from local authorities has been extended to February 28, and successful projects will be announced in the coming months."

The Minister made the announcement as he visited Dublin's Inner City Enterprise (ICE) with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer.

ICE will be receiving €400,000 under the fund to support refurbishment work at their social enterprise hub allowing them to expand their vital services.

Details of the 163 projects announced are available to view here.