Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, welcomes the Minister for Diaspora Affairs’, Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, announcement of the Local Diaspora Engagement Fund.

Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, today invited applications for funding from local and community groups and organisations based in Ireland for local diaspora engagement projects and initiatives.

The purpose of the newly created Local Diaspora Engagement Fund is to promote diaspora engagement at a county, local and community level.

Speaking today, the Minister said: “The Local Diaspora Engagement Fund is fully in line with the objectives of Global Irish:  Ireland’s Diaspora Policy which I published along with my colleagues in Government earlier this year.  The Diaspora Policy acknowledges the importance of a sense of place to the members of the Irish Diaspora.  There is great potential for communities and counties in Ireland to connect with their own diaspora and build relationships that can work for mutual benefit”.

Funding of €200,000 has been made available under this grant scheme and the closing date is Friday, 29 May.  Full details and the application form can be accessed at http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Publications/Publications_2015/Minister_for_Diaspora_Affairs_Mr_Jimmy_Deenihan_TD_on_announcement_of_the_Local_Diaspora_Engagement_Fund.html

Mary Mitchell O’Connor stated: “The Local Diaspora Activation Fund will enable the Dún Laoghaire community to support projects and initiatives to reconnect with their diasporas across the globe. I hope many people take the time to review and submit an application.”