Minister turns sod on new €2-million Community Centre in Offaly

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, turned the sod for the construction to commence on a new 327 square meter community centre in the village of Moneygall in Co. Offaly on Thursday afternoon. 

This project, with a total cost of just over €2 million, is to receive funding of over €1.8-million from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).

CCIF provides investment for improvement and refurbishment of community centres, as well as the development of new centres where such a need is identified.

Since 2022, over €110 million has been provided for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing centres and for the construction of new facilities where such a need has been identified.

Since the fund was established in 2022, over €3.7 million has been allocated to 47 projects in Co. Offaly.

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The sod turning ceremony was attended by local clergy, schoolchildren from Moneygall and elected representatives from Offaly and Tipperary County Councils.

Among them was North Tipperary TD, Ryan O'Meara; Councillors Michael Smith and Peter Ormond, who were welcomed to Moneygall by Henry Healy from Moneygall Development Association, who also welcomed his eighth cousin, US President Barack Obama and his wife First Lady Michelle Obama during their historic visit to Offaly in 2011.

Speaking today in Moneygall, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to be here today in Moneygall as we turn the sod for construction to start on this wonderful centre.

"This new community space will include a multipurpose community hall, a large function hall, a commercial kitchen area and a range of services to support greater community use.

“My Department is providing just over €1.8 million for this facility.

"This project will provide a range of locally based social, recreational, cultural, civic and educational activities as well as opportunities for people to volunteer, which is at the heart of community life.

“This is the fifth new build community centre that I have turned the sod on in a little over six months and I look forward to more commencements in early 2026,” the Minister said.
 
Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy, said: “The sod-turning for this new community centre for Moneygall is not just the start of a construction project—it is the beginning of a new era for the village.

"I want to acknowledge the dedication of everyone who helped bring this project to this stage, and particularly Moneygall Development Association, led by Henry Healy. 

"I would also like to extend many thanks to Minister Calleary and his Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, who provided the grant funding.

"The commitment of all parties involved ensures that this community centre will not only enhance Moneygall’s infrastructure but will also strengthen the social and community foundations of the village,” the Cathoirleach said/

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Ms, Anna Marie Delaney said: “This project is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, dedication, and community come together.

"I would like to extend my thanks to Minister Calleary and his department for their commitment to this project and I want to thank all those who have contributed to bringing this initiative to where we are today and we all look forward to the speedy advancement of construction. 

"I would like to acknowledge that the match funding for this project came from the Local Property Tax Fund,” she said.

Henry Healy from Moneygall Development Association, said: “We are sincerely grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Minister Calleary, and Offaly County Council for their strong support for this project.

"This new, purpose-built community centre will be transformative for Moneygall, providing modern facilities that will enhance opportunities for all community groups, support our social enterprises in sustaining local employment, and strengthen the delivery of social, sporting, and cultural activities for people of all ages.

"It represents a major investment in the future of our community,” Henry Healy said.

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Minister Calleary concluded: “I want to commend the community here in Moneygall who, with support from Offaly County Council, will now realise their ambition to see this project become a reality.  

"This development will support the community in becoming more sustainable and resilient and will provide much needed space for the people of Moneygall and indeed further afield.

“I very much look forward to returning in the not-too-distant future to see the centre completed. It will no doubt be transformative for the wider community for generations to come.”