Over €700k for 15 sports and community projects in Cavan
Announcement builds on the €2.1 million announced in September.
Over €700,000 has been allocated for 15 sports and community projects in Cavan as part of major Investment announced under the CLÁR Programme to support communities across County Cavan.
GAA clubs, playgrounds, schools, parks and community centres nationwide all stand to benefit from the €11.4 million total package unveiled by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, on Monday last, October 7.
The €712,000 for Cavan will see grants of up to €50,000 awarded, with the funding see as supporting a “bottom-up approach” for ideas and proposals that have come directly from communities on the ground.
The projects in Cavan includes an upgrade to community playgrounds in Bawnboy and Blacklion (€50,000 each); an inclusive, accessible and safe multi-use games area for Scoil Mhuire (€50,000); upgrade works to the car park to include disability access, EV charging point and biodiversity planting at Fay Park in Castlerahan (€50,000); and €38,720 for resurfacing of driveway and adjoining church grounds at St. Ernan’s Hall.
Denn GAA, Kildallan, Gowna and St Patrick’s in Arva all get €50,000 each to help support various ongoing club initiatives, from the erection of all-weather pitch to an extension of an existing walking track, or the provision of a wheelchair accessible spectator stand.
Community Centres in Ballyconnell (€50,000), Castlerahan (€50,000) and in Stradone (€32,525) each received for respective upgrades, and there was money too for Dowra Geopark Community Hub (€44,647) for enhancement works to Dowra Courthouse, €50,000 to provide a sensory garden and play area at Munterconnaught Community Development Association sensory garden, and €45,820 to redevelop the Lavey Community Group Walking Track.
Minister Humphreys said she had visited many of the projects and met with the community groups involved,
“So today is a great day of celebration for them,” she said: “That is what we are about in the Department of Rural and Community Development – supporting our local and community groups in delivering the ambition and vision that they have for towns and villages.”
She added that if the CLÁR Programme shows one thing, it is that local communities know themselves “what they need for their area”.
“These might be seen as modest projects in the overall scheme of things – but I know as Minister that this investment really does make such a difference to the lives of our children, our older people, and indeed families the length and breadth of the country,” added Minister Humphreys, who praised the “buy-in” from communities.
“This announcement today under CLÁR has only been possible because of the trojan work and efforts of our local groups and volunteers. You are the people who have spearheaded these projects from Day One; Projects that will leave a lasting difference on your communities for years to come.”
The announcement builds on the €2.1 million announced in September to support community groups through the provision of Mobility, Cancer Care, Meals on Wheels and Community First Responders Transport.
This brings the total investment to over €13.5 million in support of over 310 projects in CLÁR areas nationwide so far this year under the 2024 programme.