Fifteen community centres in Cavan get grants of between €18K and €25K each
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced funding of over €12.5 million for the upgrade and development of almost 600 community centres nationwide.
Fifteen community centres across County Cavan and 28 in neighbouring County Monaghan are among the grant recipients and have been awarded between €18,000 and €25,000 each.
The Cavan centres to be awarded funding of more than €350,000 are: Aughaloora Bruskey Development Association, €21,673.96; Ballyhaise Development Association, €25,000; Belturbet Community Development Association, €19,352; Cavan Gaels GAA Club, €24,856.50; Dowra Courthouse Community Group, €24,104.64; Kill community Development CLG, €24,856.50; Killeshandra Community Council, €25,000; Knockbride Parish Church, €24,700; Lower Lavey Community Group, €25,000; Munterconnaught Community Development Association, €24,450; Peter Bradley Foundation Company, €23,428.00; SKRDLTD Cavan, €24,526.73; St. Kilian's Heritage Trust, Mullagh, €24,970; Tullacmongan Resource Centre, Cavan, €25,000; and Virginia Show Centre, €18,464.8
The new Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) will support groups in every county to carry out refurbishments and improvements of their local community facility.
The funding will see improvements to community centres, GAA clubs, parish halls, youth centres, men’s sheds and facilities used by our elderly.
The Community Centre Investment Fund is a new scheme introduced by Minister Humphreys and represents the largest single investment in community centres in decades. Today’s announcement of 'Category 1 projects' will be followed by further funding announcements for larger scale projects in the coming weeks.
Among the capital works that will be carried out include:
• Upgrades to Heating Systems / Energy Retrofitting
• Installation of new windows / doors
• Works to upgrade and improve kitchen facilities
• Upgrades to lighting systems and stage areas
• Works to upgrade toilet facilities
• Works to improve disability access
• Improvements to assist in providing additional or better services to the community such as Meals for the Elderly & youth facilities
• Works to develop Community Centres as Social Hubs through the development of Community Cinemas, Youth Hubs and Community Libraries
• Essential maintenance works, roof repairs, etc.
• Works to address safety concerns, including as a result of fire safety audits
Minister Humphreys announced the funding during a visit to the Fettercairn Community and Youth Centre in Tallaght, which was one of the beneficiaries.
Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said: “The local Community Centre is at the heart of our towns, villages and parishes all across this country.
“They come in many different shapes and sizes and are a place for people of all ages to meet up and socialise with friends, old and new. I want to support these great local facilities,"
She said that the level of interest show in the scheme has been "unprecedented" under any scheme previously ran by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
“I am delighted today to announce over €12.5 million in funding for almost 600 projects nationwide. This funding will support Community Centres, Parish Halls, GAA Clubhouses, Youth Facilities, Men’s Sheds and much more.
“I want to congratulate all of the successful groups who are receiving funding, which I know will benefit local communities for years to come," she concluded.
“This particular strand of funding focused on small scale grants of up to €25,000. I am pleased to confirm that I will be announcing grants for larger scale projects later this year.”
Fianna Fáil Deputy Brendan Smith also welcomed the funding and complimented the local groups on submitting successful applications and wish them every success with their work.
"Like all aspects of life, Covid impacted on the use of community facilities and activities had to be cancelled for prolonged periods cutting off an essential funding stream to meet ongoing costs in running local community centres.
"This government funding is also a recognition of the additional costs facing community groups in providing many important and worthwhile recreation and sporting facilities for people of all age groups. Government funding is extremely important in supporting such valuable work in every community throughout the country”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.