Almost €2 million in funding for 20 community projects across county Clare
Minister Heather Humphreys announces €16.5 million in funding for community projects across Ireland
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced a significant investment of €16.5 million last Friday, August 2, to fund 185 community projects nationwide under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.
This substantial funding allocation will support a wide range of initiatives, including sports facility upgrades, community centre enhancements, and the development of parks, walking trails, and playgrounds, among others.
In a major boost for County Clare, 20 projects have been awarded a total of €1.7 million.
Welcoming the announcement, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan said, “These projects exemplify the diverse needs of communities and underscore the government’s commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces.”
Speaking on the announcement, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling made reference to the importance of this funding, stating that it, “Will enable communities across the county to enhance and expand their facilities, ensuring they continue to meet evolving community needs over time.”
Bernadette Haugh, Acting Director of Services in Clare County Council, emphasised the importance of this investment in enriching community life, “These projects are designed to bring communities together, making them more vibrant places to live, work in and visit.”
The projects span a broad spectrum of community needs, from upgrading local sports facilities and community centres to enhancing walking trails and playgrounds.
Each project is tailored to meet the unique needs of its community, reflecting the government’s dedication to empowering local initiatives that foster community spirit and development.
The funding will not only improve local infrastructure but also enhance social cohesion by providing safe and inclusive spaces for community members to gather, interact, and engage in healthy activities.
20 projects have been allocated funding in County Clare, including refurbishment of the Lahinch playground, renovations to the Clare Cricket Club's clubhouse, tarmacadam of the walkway around perimeter of pitch at Banner GAA club facility and road surfacing works at John O'Sullivan Park in Ennis, replacement of the existing old roof at Halla Eoin in Kilballyowen, and to install low level sports fencing and resurface the car park area at the Ballyvaughan Community Field Project.
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