386. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a top-up could be provided to an organisation to help complete a project that has increased in cost due to construction inflation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43751/24]

The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects. I was delighted to announce a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund on March 15th last.

Under the first allocation in 2023, Kerry was allocated €4,403,073 which included an amount in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy.

Under the most recent announcement, a further €3,946,095 was allocated to Kerry bringing the total available to County Kerry under CRF to over €8.3 million.

I understand that the project referred to by the Deputy was funded at a rate of 100% based on the initial costs provided at application stage. I would encourage the group involved to engage with Kerry County Council, who are managing delivery of the programme locally, to discuss the nature of the cost increase and to explore options in that regard. I have also asked my officials to also explore the matter with Kerry County Council.