A report from Mr. Mark Keaveney, Director of Services, was presented to the Members and detailed the allocations proposed under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grants Scheme for 2024.

The total budget for 2024 is €60,000. The scheme is available to community groups and voluntary organisations wishing to undertake small scale projects in their local area. A total of 75 applications were received of which 74 were deemed eligible. The total amount requested by the applicants was €145,300 and the total amount proposed to award is €60,000.

The Members welcomed the funding allocated under the scheme:

·         They paid tribute to the successful applicant groups for their ongoing support of their communities.

·         They welcomed the work of the volunteers in the communities but called for more volunteers as this is the biggest challenge to all voluntary community groups.

·         The funding acknowledges the work of the groups that cannot be quantified only in financial terms.

·         It was suggested total funding be increased for 2025 and the sum of €100,000 suggested.

·         It would be helpful to the  applicants if they know in advance know how much money may be available to them annually

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to approve the allocation of €60,000 to 74 applicants under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grant Scheme 2024 as circulated.