Over €12 million left unclaimed in Irish bank accounts has been donated to 100 community projects nationwide, it emerged today.
The Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board (DAFDB) has already allocated out €30 million in grants since last March but today's allocation is the largest.
The money comes from a €60 million fund siphoned from bank accounts lying dormant for more than 15 years.
A DAFDB spokesman said: "The funding is directed towards programmes and projects that assist the most disadvantaged in society. These include social and economic disadvantage and persons with a disability."
The funding is distributed nationwide to projects such as community centres, youth clubs, playgrounds and pre-school services.
The largest latest allocations are €875,000 for an extension to the Adapt Refuge in Tralee, Co Kerry, and €787,000 to build a community centre in Bray, Co Wicklow.
Former finance minister Charlie McCreevy conceived the idea in 2000 and account-holders had until March 2003 to claim money in old accounts.
PA
