Major funding boost delivers big wins for Leitrim clubs, centres and amenities

Over €709,000 in funding has been announced for projects in Leitrim under the Community Recognition Fund. This marks the third round of allocations under this programme, which is distributing a total of €17 million across 212 community projects nationwide.

Several Leitrim projects were successful in securing funding.

Leitrim County Council has previously been successful in securing over €1.562 m in funding under Phase One and Phase Two of the Community Recognition Fund.

In Ballinamore, Sean O’Heslin’s GAA will receive €113,000 for fencing and floodlighting for the AstroTurf playing and training area.

“This was much needed funding, they received sports capital funding in 2024 and there was a shortfall for the fencing and lighting so this will allow them to progress now,” Ballinamore councillor Gary Prior said.

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In Carrick-on-Shannon, €84,000 has been allocated to The Dock for accessibility improvement works. 

Mohill GAA club will receive the largest grant in the county, with €133,000 awarded for surface works to its AstroTurf pitch. Manorhamilton is set to get €132,000 for the upgrading and renovation of the Youth Resource Centre.

Drumshanbo will benefit from two allocations: €67,000 for refurbishing the outdoor swimming pool, and €70,015 for mobility access improvements at Áras Phádraig.

In Dromahair, the Arts and Recreational Centre will receive €110,000 to upgrade the community playground.

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Cllr Gary Prior welcomed the funding, highlighting its wide-reaching benefits for communities across Leitrim.

“This funding will deliver real and tangible benefits to communities that have welcomed new arrivals to our towns and villages in recent years,” he said.

“These investments will enhance local amenities and services, helping to strengthen social cohesion and improve quality of life for everyone in these communities.”Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan also expressed support for the announcement.

“I would like to congratulate the hard-working committees who have put together fantastic applications that will make a meaningful impact on their local communities, improving their sporting infrastructure and ensuring that many community facilities will be available to so many new residents in particular,” Deputy Feighan said.

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The announcement was made today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary TD, alongside Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer TD.

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Paddy O’Rourke thanked Minister Calleary and the Department of Rural and Community Development for continued rollout of the funding scheme, “which recognises a need to support communities in their efforts to welcome and support arrivals from other countries.”

“The allocation of this funding to communities in Leitrim is a recognition of the hard-working vibrant community organisations across the county who are continuously working to improve the amenities and facilities in their locality for the betterment of all those who use them,” added Cllr O'Rourke.

CEO of Leitrim County Council, Joseph Gilhooly, extended thanks to the local community organisations for their efforts in securing funding.

“I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation of the hard working community organisations who engage and collaborate with the Local Authority to identify priorities and roll out beneficial projects that assist in the building of a supportive, inclusive and vibrant environment for all who call Leitrim their home.”