Co. Leitrim Community Centres to get €147,534

Nine Co. Leitrim Community Centres will receive €147,534 under the Community Centre Investment Fund.

The funding will support a range of improvements to local facilities, helping community organisations maintain and enhance the spaces that are central to village and neighbourhood life.

Meanwhile, projects in Co. Sligo will receive €215,290 under the fund.

Receipients of funding include Kiltyclogher Community Centre, which will receive €25,000, while Gorvagh Community Centre has been allocated €23,653. Rossinver Community Centre will receive €19,613, and The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne will receive €11,052.

Other Leitrim recipients of funding included Cloone Community Centre (€20,239), Fenagh (€17,859), Killenummery Community Centre Dromahair (€17,290), Kiltoghert Community Centre (€11,000) and Newtownmanor Hall, Leckaun (€1,828).

Deputy Marian Harkin, Sligo-Leitrim TD, who is Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science welcomed the funding.

"I'm very pleased to see this investment in community facilities across Sligo and Leitrim. Community centres, halls and local facilities are essential to the social fabric of our towns and villages,” Minister Harkin stated.

“They provide spaces for people of all ages to come together, participate in activities, access services and build stronger communities,” she added.

The Minister went on to say that this funding will mean that groups can carry out improvements to their facilities.

"These grants will help local organisations carry out practical improvements to their facilities. For example, funding can support works to improve accessibility, upgrade energy efficiency, modernise facilities and address essential maintenance needs,” she commented.

"I want to congratulate all the successful applicants and acknowledge the tremendous voluntary work undertaken by community groups and committees throughout Sligo and Leitrim. These organisations are central to keeping our communities active and connected," Minister Harkin added.

Category 1 of the Community Centre Investment Fund provides grants of up to €25,000 for smaller-scale capital works and improvements to community facilities.

A second category, offering grants of up to €100,000 for larger projects, is expected to open in the coming months.

Since 2022, almost €118 million has been approved for community centres and facilities across the country through the Community Centre Investment Fund.

North Leitrim Independent councillor Eddie Mitchell also welcomed the funding."I'm delighted to see this investment going into community facilities across North Leitrim. These centres and halls are much more than buildings. They are important gathering places that bring people together, support local activities and help maintain a strong sense of community,” he stated.

"Funding of €25,000 for Kiltyclogher Community Centre will provide a significant boost to the facility. Rossinver Community Centre will receive €19,613, while The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne has secured €11,052. Newtownmanor Hall in Leckaun will also benefit from an allocation of €1,828,” he commented.

Cllr Mitchell went on to say that these grants will help local groups to undertake such work as energy efficiency measures.

“Grants such as these can help community organisations carry out practical improvements, from essential repairs and maintenance to accessibility upgrades, energy efficiency measures and modernisation of facilities.

“These improvements help ensure that local venues remain safe, welcoming and fit for purpose for the people who use them,” he stated.

"I want to congratulate all four successful groups and pay tribute to the volunteers and committees whose hard work keeps these facilities operating. Their contribution to North Leitrim is invaluable,” Cllr Mitchell added.