Almost €200k in funding to upgrade paths and seating around Naas Lakes

Over €500,000 in funding has been give to Co Kildare under the Community Recognition Fund.

In Naas, €199,800 will be awarded to Kildare Co Council Parks Dept to upgrade paths and seating around Naas Lakes.

In Athy, €264,000 has been awarded to Kildare Co Council's Local Enterprise Office for a Regeneration Hub for the Mid East Regional Circular Economy Centre.

In Celbridge, the Council's Parks Dept has received €50,000 for the purchase of a Youth Hang-out Shelter

The Government announced total funding of over €16 million to deliver 185 community projects across the country.

The major investment will support a diverse range of projects such as upgrades to sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds.

As part of the initiative, funding is provided to support the purchase of buildings and vehicles for community use. Communities are also being supported in their efforts to welcome new arrivals from other countries.

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin has welcomed funding worth €264,000 for a "Regeneration Hub" project in Athy under the Community Recognition Fund.

Senator O'Loughlin said: “I’m delighted that this proposed "Regeneration Hub" project in Athy is set to receive a total of €264,000.

“This project is designed to make our town a more vibrant places to live, work and visit.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have in our local community.

“Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to investing in rural Ireland.”

The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.

The fund is being delivered in three phases this year to give community groups and local authorities every opportunity to plan and make best use of these funds.

Applications can be made between now and the end of January next year.