Kilkenny's Twilight Group benefit from Ireland Against Racism Fund 2024

A Kilkenny group has been included in a government funding initiative to support the National Action Plan Against Racism.

Twilight Community Group, based in Hebron House in Kilkenny, is a group focused on the integration and social inclusion of all groups.

Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien, announced the local group was among 28 projects set to receive over €1.1m in funding under the Ireland Against Racism Fund 2024.

The fund is an important element in supporting the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism, which was published in March 2023.

The funding call arises from Action 2.14 of the plan which states: ‘‘Provide funding for national and local initiatives that aim to combat racism and foster racial equality and community cohesion, in order to support the implementation of this plan and the achievement of its objectives’’.

“We must all be acutely aware of the danger posed to society if racism and racist actions go unchallenged,” Minister O’Brien said, welcoming the allocations.
“The organisations and projects awarded funding today are among those doing vital work to challenge racism in various settings.

Dignity and Respect
“Racism and racist behaviour causes grave damage to those whom it is directed at but also damages wider society as it seeks to chip away at social cohesion and our willingness to treat each other with dignity and respect.

“We must never allow this to happen and I am pleased to be able to provide funding again this year for the Ireland Against Racism Fund so that organisations can continue the great work we see daily in communities up and down the country welcoming and supporting people from all backgrounds,” the minister said.

Twilight Community Group’s project ‘Small Hinges Open Big Doors (small changes will have big effects)’ has been awarded funding of €8,500 for its work in Kilkenny and Carlow.