€26,537 announced for Laois Women's Groups

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding to support almost 500 Women’s Groups nationwide.

Under the initiative, small grants are being provided to assist groups in every single county to enhance/improve their facilities and to purchase equipment.

€26,537 of the €6 million fund will go towards 18 women's groups in Laois. 

The groups that are receiving funding include Women’s and Hen’s Sheds, Camogie and GAA Clubs, ICA Groups, Toddler Groups, Girl Guides and more. The funding is being delivered as part of The Local Enhancement Programme 2024.

The funding will support a number of Laois groups, such as Laois Domestic Abuse Service (€4,448), O’Moore’s Camogie Club (€2,989), Timahoe Ladies Football Club (€2,355), Rathdowney Women’s Shed (€1,478) and Abbeyleix Women’s Development (€1,000). 

Photo- allocation of funds under Laois Women's Groups under the Local Enhancement Scheme 2024

This programme allocated €6 million in capital supports for community groups and organisations around Ireland, with funding of €1 million being ring-fenced for women’s groups.

This funding adds to the €100,000 which was ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the Community Enhancement Programme 2022.

“I am delighted to announce the successful projects today for Women’s Sheds, Groups and Networks throughout the country," Minister Humphries said.

"These groups are working tirelessly within communities to provide both young and old with an outlet to socialise, upskill, relax and so much more."

“I am constantly amazed by the work, community spirit and ethos of the many, many groups that give so much of their time to enhance and improve their communities. I want you to know that I see what you do and I hope that through these grants my Department can help," the Minister finished.

Minister for State Sean Fleming TD also welcomed the news, saying that the Laois groups "work tirelessly in their communities and do great work to promote socialising, upskilling, relaxation and women in sport."

Speaking at the announcement of the funding, Green Party Senator and Midlands Northwest MEP candidate Pauline O’Reilly said, “I am delighted that women’s and girls’ groups are being recognised with this funding for the excellent work that they do in providing outlets for young and old to socialise through sports or social groups within Midlands Northwest”.