Six communities in Leitrim secure funding of over €709,000 for projects under the Community Recognition Fund.
In a funding announcement made today by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary TD and Minister Jerry Buttimer, seven projects in six communities in Leitrim received funding of €709,015 as part of a wider national funding announcement of €17 million to deliver 212 projects across the country. The projects in Leitrim that were successful in securing funding are located in Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Dromahair, Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton and Mohill.
Leitrim County Council has previously been successful in securing over €1.562 m in funding under phase 1 and phase 2 of the Community Recognition Fund. Today’s further significant investment in Leitrim, under phase 3 of the CRF programme, will continue to support the ongoing development of sports and community facilities in the county.
The successful projects in Leitrim under Phase two are as follows:
- Ballinamore – Sean O’Heslins’ GAA club – fencing and floodlighting - €113k
- Carrick-on-Shannon – Accessibility works at The Dock - €84K
- Dromahair – upgrading works at Dromahair Community Playground - €110k
- Drumshanbo – refurbishment works at outdoor swimming pool - €67k
- Drumshanbo – Mobility access works to Áras Padraig - €70,015
- Manorhamilton - Upgrade & renovation works in Manorhamilton Youth Resource Centre - €132K
- Mohill – Mohill GAA Club – surface works to astro turf - €133k
Speaking today, Minister Dara Calleary TD said: “The Community Recognition Fund continues to support the cities, towns and villages that welcomed new arrivals to their communities in recent years. This funding has enabled communities to be more inclusive and resilient through the provision and enhancement of a range of community facilities and community spaces. In line with Our Programme for Government and my Department’s policy ‘Our Rural Future’ I am committed to providing supports to our communities both urban and rural. Supports that will enable them to become inclusive, resilient and sustainable places in which to live and raise a family, to visit and to socialise.”
Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, said: “I am delighted with today’s announcement which sees a further 212 projects brought to fruition through the Community Recognition Fund. This fund has now invested €100 million in cities, towns and villages across the country and the difference this funding has made will serve these communities well for many years to come. The way in which these communities, welcomed new arrivals is a testament to the Irish people and that ‘meitheal’ which is still part of the fabric of our society, long may it continue.”
Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke warmly greeted the funding announcement by saying: “I would like to thank the Minister and the Dept of Rural & Community Development for the continued roll out of the Community Recognition Fund which recognises a need to support communities in their efforts to welcome and support arrivals from other countries. The allocation of this funding to communities in Leitrim is a recognition of the hard-working vibrant community organisations across the county who are continuously working to improve the amenities and facilities in their locality for the betterment of all those who use them.”
Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, also welcomed the funding by saying: “I am delighted to welcome the tranche of funding announced today for County Leitrim by Minister Calleary under the Community Recognition Fund. This phase of the Community Recognition Fund will support and further develop existing facilities in our vibrant communities of Ballinamore, Carrick on Shannon, Dromahair, Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton and Mohill. I also wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation of the hard working community organisations who engage and collaborate with the Local Authority to identify priorities and roll out beneficial projects that assist in the building of a supportive, inclusive and vibrant environment for all who call Leitrim their home.