€124,467 in funding for Longford Community Centres

Taoiseach, Simon Harris, and the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, have today announced funding to deliver enhancement and refurbishment works at 399 community centres nationwide.

The Community Centres Investment Fund 2024 was launched in June 2024 to provide investment for upgrade and refurbishment works on existing community centres under two categories;

Category 1 for minor works with grant aid up to €25,000, Category 2 for larger works with grant aid up to €100,000.

The successful community centre projects announced today are Category 1 applicants and will receive capital grants of up to €25,000. Over € 7.6 million is being announced under Category 1.

Successful projects under Category 2 will be announced in the coming months.

“I am delighted to make this announcement today which will see important upgrade works carried out in community centres in towns, villages and parishes across the country,” said Taoiseach Simon Harris making the announcement.

Also Read: Deaths in Longford - Monday, November 4, 2024

“These are small grants which will make a big difference. The funding we are announcing today will support local groups to improve kitchen and toilet facilities, replace old windows and doors, upgrade the heating system and improve disability access.

The Taoiseach congratulated the committees and local volunteers for the work they do to ensure the success of local Community Centres.

Minister Humphreys also commented on the announcement.

“I introduced the Community Centre Investment Fund in 2022. My ambition was to develop a fund to support our local community centres in the same way that the Sports Capital Programme supports upgrade and improvement works at our local sports facilities.

Also Reader: Longford councillors pleased with allocation of extra €10,000 funding

“The new Fund has been a huge success with total funding of over €82 million now approved for almost 1,300 projects across the country.

“The Community Centre is open to everybody. It is at the heart of every community in Ireland, rural and urban.

In regards to Community Centres here in Longford, Senator Micheál Carrigy managed to acquire over €124,467 in funding from the initiative.

Senator Micheál Carrigy is delighted to announce significant funding under the Community Centre Investment Fund, supporting local community centres in Longford and across the country. This investment is part of a €7 million nationwide allocation announced by An Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.

“This funding, established by Fine Gael, is in recognition of the crucial role that community groups play across Ireland,” said Senator Carrigy. “In our area alone, over €124,467 has been allocated to various groups, helping to make a real difference on the ground.”

Also Read: Longford man with over 100 convictions who is jailed tells Judge: 'I believe I am a good person'

Under Category 1, which focuses on small-scale projects and facility improvements, grants ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 are available. These smaller grants have a substantial impact, whether it’s for roof repairs, installing new kitchens, or carrying out energy upgrades. This funding is all about supporting communities and making our towns and villages better places to live, work, and raise families.

“Our community centres have always been central to our lives, providing safe and welcoming spaces for older people, young people, and families alike,” Senator Carrigy continued. “These centres are vital for friends, neighbours, and those who may feel socially isolated, offering them a place to come together and feel connected.”

Senator Carrigy expressed deep gratitude to the many volunteers who run these centres, saying, “We couldn’t do it without you. You’re the backbone of our communities, and this funding is a small way of showing our appreciation for all that you do year-round.”

For more information on the Community Centre Investment Fund or to learn about specific projects in our area, please contact Senator Micheál Carrigy’s office on 083 4091458.