 
                            The funding comes as part of a national €50m package.
Midlands communities which have welcomed refugees are due to benefit from a €3.7 million investment.
Minister for Rural Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced an additional €50 million for the Community Recognition Fund.
Westmeath will see the largest portion of that in the region, €1.7 million, while both Laois and Offaly will see just over €1 million, respectively.
The money will be used to refurbish or develop community facilities, schools and parishes, and transport infrastructure.
The funding is being welcomed by Offaly Green Party Senator and Junior Agriculture Minister, Pippa Hackett:
"The Community Recognition Fund, which is administered by the Council, has already benefited communities in Offaly, examples include support of the Offline Film Festival, Portarlington Concert Band and a combination of Tullamore sports clubs.
Many communities, towns and villages are experiencing rapid change with the arrival of people from Ukraine and other countries.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive and this fund recognises that, and the need for a whole of community approach.
This new allocation of €1millon will undoubtedly see tangible and long term benefits delivered across the county, in consultation with communities and focused on areas that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries."
 
                             
                             Tánaiste Reviews Infantry Battalion In Westmeath Ahead Of Lebanon Deployment
            Tánaiste Reviews Infantry Battalion In Westmeath Ahead Of Lebanon Deployment
         Laois TD ‘Couldn’t Stomach’ Taoiseach’s Fine Gael Backing
            Laois TD ‘Couldn’t Stomach’ Taoiseach’s Fine Gael Backing
         Disruption On Midlands Train Services Expected This Weekend
            Disruption On Midlands Train Services Expected This Weekend
         Man Escapes Injury After Car Fire In Westmeath
            Man Escapes Injury After Car Fire In Westmeath
         Midlands Soldiers Taking Part In Latest Deployment To Lebanon
            Midlands Soldiers Taking Part In Latest Deployment To Lebanon
         Popular Laois Forest Named In Coillte Top 20
            Popular Laois Forest Named In Coillte Top 20
         Laois Author Recounts First Meeting With F1 Legend Eddie Jordan
            Laois Author Recounts First Meeting With F1 Legend Eddie Jordan
         Truck Driver Jailed For Five Years Over €2.8m Cocaine Haul
            Truck Driver Jailed For Five Years Over €2.8m Cocaine Haul
         ESB Networks Invests €6.5m In Laois Training Centre
            ESB Networks Invests €6.5m In Laois Training Centre
         Offaly GAA Calls For End To Allianz Sponsorship
            Offaly GAA Calls For End To Allianz Sponsorship
         IFA Concerned Over Rushed Safeguard Approval For Mercosur
            IFA Concerned Over Rushed Safeguard Approval For Mercosur 
         Westmeath Refuge Centres Step Up Support For Women And Children
            Westmeath Refuge Centres Step Up Support For Women And Children
         Frightfully Fun Events Taking Place In The Midlands This Halloween
            Frightfully Fun Events Taking Place In The Midlands This Halloween
         Social Finance Boosts Westmeath Boat Club
            Social Finance Boosts Westmeath Boat Club
         Westmeath Gardaí Confiscate €7k In Illegal Cannabinoids
            Westmeath Gardaí Confiscate €7k In Illegal Cannabinoids
         Laois Councillor Honoured For 40 Years Of Public Service
            Laois Councillor Honoured For 40 Years Of Public Service
         Laois Man Appears In Court After €8m Cocaine Find
            Laois Man Appears In Court After €8m Cocaine Find
         Revenue Offering Help For Couriers After Fastway Closure
            Revenue Offering Help For Couriers After Fastway Closure
         Anonymous Westmeath Man Donates Unclaimed Cash To Charity
            Anonymous Westmeath Man Donates Unclaimed Cash To Charity
         Offaly Fianna Fail Councillor Adds To Scrutiny Of Taoiseach
            Offaly Fianna Fail Councillor Adds To Scrutiny Of Taoiseach