Midlands Community Projects receive over €1 million in funding

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced over €17 million to deliver 212 community projects nationwide through the Community Recognition Fund. This, will deliver real and tangible benefits to communities across the country who have welcomed new arrivals in recent years to their cities, towns and villages. Included in the list of 212 projects are enhancement works to community centres, a wide range of recreational facilities, and the purchase of buildings and lands for future shared use by communities. The provision of community vehicles and projects supporting the arts and culture sector are also included in today’s announcement.

Among the projects being funded in the Midlands include:

Westmeath

Westmeath Libraries Upgrade of Athlone Library €86,614
Enhancement of the Ranelagh Way walking amenity, Athlone €90,000
Development of a playground at Grange Linear Park, Mullingar €120,000
Mullingar Youth Work Ireland Sustainability upgrade at Grange Resource Centre €50,000

Offaly

Clara Family Resource Centre Renovation and conservation of Clara Family Resource Centre €75,542
Clara Ladies Gaelic Football Association Provision of changing and toilet facilities €65,000
Clara Tidy Towns Upgrading and extending Clara Community Playground facilities €50,000
Upgrade of Daingean (Molesworth Bridge) community playground €60,000

Longford

Granard Lus na Greine Family Resource Centre Enhancement of outdoor space €50,000
Longford County Council Purchase of a site for Longford Civil Defence €50,000
Longford Tidy Towns Elevation and upgrade works €50,000
Moyne Community School Extension, drainage and resurfacing at Moyne Community School Football Pitch €47,725

Laois

Ballylinan St Abban’s Athletics Club Purchase new and upgrade existing athletics equipment €60,210
Ballyroan Community Development CLG Develop an outdoor space with toilets & seating €59,723
Clonaslee St. Manman’s GAA Development of a ball wall €84,100
Rathdowney St Fergal’s College Installing lights, kerbs & paths along the all-weather pitch €60,849

Speaking about the announcement, Minister Calleary said:

“I am very happy to be making a further announcement under the Community recognition Fund which will build on the 349 projects previously announced under the 2024 scheme. The announcement today will mean that over 1,450 projects have now been awarded funding under the Community Recognition Fund in just over two years.“

He also acknowledged the efforts of community groups in preparing and submitting applications under the Community Recognition Fund. “Through your care and passion for your communities, real change is happening, and community infrastructure is being improved and developed like never before. Working together we are building the communities of the future.”