€600,000 in funding for 26 community led projects in Offaly

Communities across Offaly, from Shannonbridge to Portarlington and Clara to Moneygall, are receiving good news today as over €600,000 is allocated to 26 community led projects.

The Community Recognition Fund aims  to support  the development  of community  infrastructure  and  facilities  in  recognition  of  the  contribution  being  made  by communities  across  Offaly  in  welcoming  and  hosting  significant  numbers  of  new arrivals.

Commenting on the allocations, Minister Pippa Hackett said: “the biggest take away from today’s announcement is not the funding boost, which of course is very welcome, but the scale of community and voluntary commitment in our county which this fund highlights.

“We are experiencing significant changes in our communities and we are adapting and growing stronger with the support of collective voluntary effort. Every one of these project proposals, including improvements to the Tullamore public walkway by Tullamore Camogie Club, Ladies Football club and GAA to upgrades to the stage of Dunkerrin Community Centre and the refurbishment of sports facilities at Chesterfield Close, Birr is possible because of voluntary effort by individuals.

“They are the heroes of today’s announcement, supported by Offaly County Council and I applaud and thank them. There are some really practical projects too like upgrades to local bus stops and I look forward to seeing the results.”