New community centre in Offaly village an example of 'taxpayers money well spent'

A rural community in Offaly has been praised for its approach to the development of a new state of the art centre.

Officially opening the new community centre in Killeigh on Wednesday evening last, the Minister for Rural and Community Affairs, Heather Humphreys said the development by a hard-working committee of local people was a template for other rural communities around the country to emulate.

The Monaghan based Minister – in Offaly for the Fine Gael think-in gathering in nearby Tullamore – described the development as an example "of taxpayers money well spent".

She praised the Killeigh Community Centre Development Association for its fundraising endeavours which raised over €400,000 for the much needed facility.

Abut €1 million in grants from the Minister's Department, Offaly County Council and other state agencies was ploughed into the development which will be a focal meeting point for people in the Laois/ Offaly border area.

Speaking at the official opening, the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Tony McCormack said the project "stands as a testament to the power of community spirit, resilience, and determination."

"This facility is the result of years of hard work, tireless fundraising and the unwavering commitment of the people of Killeigh.

The Fianna Fail man congratulated "the Killeigh Community Centre Development Association, and everyone involved for your incredible efforts in raising the necessary funds, designing and delivering on the construction of this state-of-the-art community centre. Your dedication to this project is inspiring and serves as a great example to other communities of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose."

"Through various schemes such as the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, LEADER, and the Community Centre Investment Fund together with matching funding from Offaly County Council and the General Municipal Allocations from Tullamore Municipal District, you have demonstrated how partnerships between local communities and government agencies can deliver outstanding results. "

Cllr McCormack said the new centre has given new life into what was a vacant and derelict building which now provides a space for social gatherings and activities and will enhance the social life of the community, the importance of which cannot be underestimated.

He stressed the facility can play a vital role in reducing social isolation and enhancing the wellbeing of those living in rural and remote locations in Killeigh and the surrounding areas.