Laois community centres, halls and GAA Clubs get big cash boost for facilities
Funding for groups in Abbeyleix, Clonad, Clonaslee, Cullohill, Rosenallis, Portlaoise, Cashel, Mountmellick and Timahoe
Community Centres, halls and GAA Clubs in Laois have been successful in receiving government funding to improve their facilities.
A total of ten groups and organisations across Laois will benefit from a combined €203,487 under the Community Centre Minor Works Scheme.
The top allocations went to Timahoe Community Hall, The Rock GAA Club and St Peter's Parochial Community Hall, Rathleague, all receiving €25,000.
Timahoe Community Hall will use the money to replace gutters, install solar panels and stage safety works.
The Rock GAA Club is planning to upgrade its electrical and heating system, refurbish toilets and repaint the building.
St Peter's Parochial Community Hall will renovate bathroom facilities and refurbish the kitchen and hallway.
Fr. Breen Park Vitality Hub in Abbeyleix has received €24,413 for accessibility, security, acoustic and digital upgrades.
Rosenallis GAA Community Clubhouse received €23,560 for upgrading its kitchen and the purchase of new community tables, chairs, audio equipment and internal furniture.
Cullohill Community Centre will use the €19,193 it received to carry out interior and exterior painting and wiring works.
The sports hall floor at Clonaslee Community Centre is set to get a total refurbishment after the group received funding of €17,446.
Abbeyleix Heritage Company will carry out a renovation of the reception roof after receiving €17,100 from government.
The Rambling House Community Centre has been allocated €13,665 for toilet upgrades and the installation of an automatic sliding door.
Clonad GAA Clubhouse and Community Centre will carry out interior and exterior painting with its €13,110 allocation.
The funding boost has been welcomed by Laois TDs Willie Aird and Sean Fleming after it was announced by the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD.
Deputy Fleming said this funding will support social, cultural and sporting events in these community centres in Laois.
“It will also assist them in providing a wider range of facilities and enabling the centres to improve comfort and supports for all people who use the centres,” he said.
Deputy Aird said: “This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering tangible benefits for rural communities, with additional centres due to receive funding before the end of the year.
“Community centres play a central role in bringing people together, serving as hubs for social, cultural and recreational activities, a meeting place for people and a home for many of the voluntary clubs across the county. This funding will help ensure these facilities remain modern, accessible and sustainable, while enabling community groups to expand the range of services and supports they provide."