Local community centres benefit from over €180,000 in funding

Local community centres will benefit from over €180,000 in funding as part of the Community Centres Investment Fund announced today, November 4.

The funding comes as part of Phase 1 of the fund, which provides up to €25,000 investment for upgrade and refurbishment works on existing community centres.

In Athlone, Athlone GAA Club Community Centre was allocated €24,986 for the refurbishment of its kitchen, and the ATK/Saint Kieran's Community Centre has received €23,000 for bathroom renovations in the centre.

Making the announcement, Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said: “I am delighted to make this announcement today which will see important upgrade works carried out in community centres in towns, villages and parishes across the country.

“These are small grants which will make a big difference. The funding we are announcing today will support local groups to improve kitchen and toilet facilities, replace old windows and doors, upgrade the heating system and improve disability access.

“I want to congratulate the committees and local volunteers for all the work they do to ensure that our community centres are at the heart of our local communities. I congratulate them on submitting successful applications and I look forward to seeing works commence on these projects over the coming months.”

Other local centres benefiting from the grants include Castledaly Development Community Centre, which received €25,000 for upgrades to the community centre and improve accessibility, and Clonown Community Centre, which has been allocated €23,750 for the upgrade of lighting, heating and draught control, upgrade the toilet facilities and reception area, create additional storage space and repair of roof slates.

St Johns Community Centre in Lecarrow has received €18,050 to fund the fitting of a new electric sliding door, to insulate walls and repair sliding partition to create meeting rooms, and Taughmaconnell Community Centre has received €23,250 for interior painting, roof works, insulation, and plumbing.

Commenting on the boost to the community, Senator Aisling Dolan said: “There is more great news here for community groups all across County Roscommon. Volunteers who are working to make our local community centres brighter and better.

“I’ve worked closely with Minister Heather Humphreys who has been key to all of this policy development to ensure funding to meet costs and maintenance for community centres. The focus on ‘Our Rural Future’ means that Roscommon towns and villages are places so many families want to call home.”

In Roscommon, Elphin Community Centre has been allocated €18,163 for refurbishments, and The Melting Pot Community Society has been allocated €11,700 for the installation of new flooring in the kitchen and bathroom areas, and the upgrade of the toilets.

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre has received €21,026 for the installation of solar panels to improve the energy efficiency of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre for the community, and Tulsk Macra Community Hall has been allocated €14,535 to fund the upgrade of the heating system to improve the energy efficiency of the hall.