Matthews Welcomes Funding for Community Projects in Wicklow

Green TD Steven Matthews has welcomed the allocation of €10,000 in funding for initiatives that welcome and support the integration of refugees and migrants in Wicklow.

Speaking following the announcement from his Green Party colleague and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman TD, Deputy Matthews said:

“I am delighted to see that local organisations in Wicklow will benefit from the Communities Integration Fund 2022. Wicklow Educate Together National School will receive €5,000 in funding to enable them to expand their ambitious programme events for their annual culture week. The Africa Irish Society of Wicklow has also been allocated €5,000 for the Wicklow Multicultural Festival, which took place for first time in August 2021 and was very successful.

“These events are wonderful opportunities to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that exists in our county and to connect those who are newly arrived in Wicklow with their local communities. As part of the response to the war in Ukraine and other international crises, the Government will continue to support initiatives that promote the integration of refugees and migrants in Ireland.

“I would like to congratulate both Wicklow Educate Together National School and the Africa Irish Society of Wicklow on successfully applying to the Communities Integration Fund. If I can offer any group support in their efforts to encourage inclusion and assist refugees and migrants, I would be more than happy to. I would encourage anyone interested to email me and I will help in any way I can.” Deputy Matthews concluded.