Laois communities to avail of €17 million fund

Almost €265,000 has been awarded to community projects in four Laois towns.

Crettyard, Ballyroan, Clonaslee and Rathdowney have been awarded funding for new developments under the latest €17 million Community Recognition Fund.

St Abban's Athletics Club in Crettyard received €60,210 to fund the purchase and upgrading of existing athletics equipment.

Ballyroan Community Development CLG received €59,723 to develop an outdoor space with toilets and seating.

St Manman's GAA Clonaslee was awarded €84,100 for the development of a ball wall.

St Fergal's College Rathdowney received €60,849 for the installation of lights, kerbs and paths along the all-weather pitch.

Laois TDs welcomed the announcement of the €264,912 funding.

"This is a win/win for both the local communities and the new arrivals and the Government is pleased to support these projects," Fianna Fáil Deputy Sean Fleming said.

"I want to thank the communities who applied for this funding.  They will be able to now proceed with the purchase of new equipment, developing outdoor space and seating, a new ball wall and improving lighting and walking paths in their areas.

This, the third announcement of projects under the 2024 fund, will deliver real and tangible benefits to communities across the country who have welcomed new arrivals in recent years to their cities, towns and villages," he said.

Fine Gael TD Willie Aird also welcomed this announcement.

“I am delighted to see this funding for Laois as part of the Community Recognition Fund," he said.

"This funding has enabled communities to be more inclusive by improving community facilities and community spaces. 

"I want to congratulate the community groups who have been the driving force behind the successful applications and look forward to seeing the completed projects.

“Today’s funding allocation is the latest in a long line of initiatives and supports introduced by Fine Gael aimed at making our towns, villages and cities more attractive places to live," he said.

“This funding will enable our communities to become more inclusive, resilient and sustainable places in which to live and raise a family, to visit and to socialise”, Deputy Aird concluded.