Breaking: massive funding for four Laois communities 

Four Laois towns have received €385,000 under the Community Recognition Fund.

Portlaoise has received €150,000 for St. Mary’s Hall, allocated to repair the roof of the building. 

Mountmellick has been awarded €100,000 for acquisition of land for community use by Laois County Council.

Ballylinan GAA has received €70,000 for the development of a community walking track.

Rathdowney's Clochar Community Centre receives €65,000 to develop a community and event space for groups. 

This news was welcomed by Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State.

"This is very good news for these local communities here in Laois. This funding will really help these developments and benefit their communities," said the Deputy.

"St. Mary’s Hall in Portlaoise has badly needed repair works and this funding will drastically support upgrading the roof of the hall, for the Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club and other local groups that use the hall. 

"I’m also pleased that Ballylinan GAA and Clochar Community Centre will receive this much needed funding to improve their facilities. This will be of real benefit to all the community in Ballylinan and Rathdowney. 

"I want to thank everyone involved in each project for their work and I look forward to the completion of these new facilities and upgrades," Minister Fleming finished.

Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan also welcomed the news.

"I welcome this morning’s funding announcement that Laois will benefit from €385,000 in funding under the Community Recognition Fund.  This funding will deliver a range of projects across County Laois including upgrades to sports facilities, community centres and community groups," Deputy Flanagan said.

"As you can see, the successful projects in Laois are diverse. These projects will support and benefit the whole community, young and old alike.

"This is the first tranche of funding and there will be an opportunity for community groups to liaise with Laois County Council regarding the next phases of funding later this year," Deputy Flanagan finished.