Massive grant announced for construction of new community centre in Offaly

A MASSIVE grant of €300,000 has been announced for the construction of the new community centre in Killeigh by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

The grant will see the delivery of a 200 metre recreation hall that will hold up to 300 people and operate as a social hub.

The project will also see the provision of a canteen, toilets and a meeting room that will be used for public information sessions. 

In total community centres in Offaly will receive grant funding of €705,000 under the new Community Centre Investment Fund.

The fund presents the largest ever capital investment in upgrading Community Centres and will see grants of between €25,000 to €300,000 provided to successful projects.

The funding will be used to upgrade, renovate and refurbish Community Centres, Parish Halls, Scouts Clubs, Youth Hubs, Family Resources Centres and Sports Complexes across the country.

Communities in every single county in Ireland will benefit as part of the investment.

Welcoming the news Offaly based Minister Pippa Hackett said: “It is a boost for the local economy as tradespeople are employed to carry out this work. I am delighted to be part of a Government with an outstanding record of supporting communities and a strong commitment to a vibrant rural future.  My ongoing gratitude to all who volunteer your time to help keeping Community Centres central to life in our towns and villages.”

Some examples of the types of work being supported under the scheme include:

Extensions to existing community centres

The provision of meeting rooms, offices, counselling rooms and family rooms

Energy Retrofitting/upgrades to Heating Systems

Works to develop community centres as social hubs through the development of community cinemas, youth hubs and community libraries

Works to upgrade kitchen facilities to enhance the delivery of Meals on Wheels

Upgrades to lighting systems and stage areas

Fire Safety Upgrades

Essentials maintenance works, repairs to roof, re-wiring,etc

Works to upgrade toilet facilities

Works to improve disability access

Replacement of windows and doors

Installation of electric vehicle charging points

Minister Humphreys and the Tánaiste made the announcement at Hartstown Sports and Leisure Centre in Dublin 15 today.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: "This Government and the last showed time and again that we’re committed to community development. 

“I’m delighted to see this ground-breaking investment in community centres. It will bring real improvements to the heart of communities across Ireland.

“In time, I think it will become as significant as the Sport Capital Programme which has brought local sporting facilities up a level that would have been unimaginable 20 years ago. 

“The benefits will be felt in Community Centres, Parish and Scouts Halls, clubhouses, Men’s Sheds and Youth Facilities.

“Every county in Ireland will receive funding, for projects like new meeting rooms, refurbished and warmer buildings, new social hubs, and improved disability access.”