New Milford community centre gifted €200,000 by anonymous donors

A private donation of €200,00 has been made to the redevelopment of the Gallowglass Community Centre in Milford.

The facility, in the former Reformed Presbyterian Church, has been partially opened since September.

The Milford and District Resource Centre (MDRC) received the building in late 2022 from the Reformed Presbyterian congregation in the town.

This substantial donation will allow us to carry out key repairs, including the roof, and development works to enlarge and secure additional community space in Milford,” said Declan Meehan, the Manager of the MDRC.

The major donation will also to be used to leverage further investment through either additional donations or grant assistance.

Mr Meehan said: “I would like to thank the donors, who wish to remain anonymous, for their investment and gift to the community in Milford, which will have a lasting legacy.

“Since this building has opened for public and community use five months ago, we have seen it grow from strength to strength, providing much needed community space in Milford.

“We have been determined not to rest on our laurels since the Reformed Presbyterian Church trusted us with their building and home of almost 200 years – ensuring that it finds a new purpose in the heart of the community.”

The Church was initially built in 1837 and the building includes several rooms including the main Church hall, an activity hall, a kitchen, bathrooms and storage.

Mr Meehan says that MDRC aim to develop it ‘into a modern, fit-for-purpose community facility in the centre of the town’.

He said: “We have secured and spent just over €31,000 since the gifting of the building to MDRC. This has been spent on a conservation plan, feasibility study and public consultation, as well as some improvement works and repairs.

“We also have a number of other grant applications pending and planned for the coming months.”

A public meeting will be held on Monday evening at 7pm in the Gallowglass Community Centre.

Mr Meehan said: “This building has already made such a difference in the community with activities taking place to combat and address issues like social isolation, men and women’s health, a parent and toddlers group, and information events covering the defective concrete blocks scheme and SEAI grant funding for homeowners.

“We’re eager to ensure that the development of this building involves the community at every step of the way.”