*Lahinch playground.
TWENTY community projects in Clare will share in the €1.7m worth of funding announced in the Community Recognition Fund.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) TD on Friday confirmed an investment of €16.5 million to fund 185 community projects nationwide under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.
This funding allocation will support a wide range of initiatives, including sports facility upgrades, community centre enhancements, and the development of parks, walking trails, and playgrounds, among others.
Clare County Council has been allocated €165,000 to refurbish Lahinch playground, the same amount of money has been granted to Michael Cusacks GAA Club in conjunction with North Burren Community Group for phase one of a new proposed community building.
An upgrade of the 400m running track in Tim Smythe Park in Ennis has resulted in a €140,000 allocation for Active Ennis and Clare County Council. Active Ennis has also been approved €50,000 for road surfacing works at Lees Rd.
St Joseph’s NS in Miltown Malbay have been granted €120,000 for the construction of an outdoor classroom area, an outdoor exercise area, a tarmac walkway, a biodiversity sensory garden area and picnic benches. For the Twin Wells West landscaping project, Lisdoonvarna Fáilte CLG has received €125,000.
For the installation of low level sports fencing and the resurfacing of the car park area at the Ballyvaughan community field project, a total of €91,000 has been set aside for Ballyvaughan Community Development Group. Cappa Playground is set for an updrade with €85,000 earmarked for Kilrush Town Team.
€80,000 has been approved for Kilmaley Meitheal, Kilmaley GAA and camogie clubs to tar the walkway at the GAA and playground community facility, the inclusion of three wheelchair accessible benches, three bins and site works including steps to connect the walkway to the new overflow carpark.
Newmarket Celtic FC will be able to get to work on the construction of a public carpark with an allocation of €80,000 while the same amount has been approved for Ballina Killaloe Community Sports Facilities Development Company CLG to supply and install 1.2m hardwearing double-beam mesh fencing and gates at Clarisford Park.
Having opened a full-size Astro turf facility, Clarecastle GAA’s plans for further development have received a boost with €70,000 on its way to construct a grass-running track. Upgrades and maintenance to Tulla Courthouse have been sanctioned with a sum of €70,000 for Tulla Courthouse Community Development Ltd.
In Shannon, Wolfe Tones GAA club have been granted €62,000 for the refurbishment of the community hall, St Senan’s RFC have been handed €50,000 for the upgrading of floodlights, cardio gym equipment will be replaced at Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre Ltd following an allocation of €50,000 and the same allocation has been given to Clare Cricket Club to renovate a clubhouse building in Ballycasey.
Halla Eoin’s existing roof in Kibaha is to be replaced after Kilballyowen Development CLG were granted €60,000.
Prior to the commencement of their championship coverage, Scariff Bay Community Radio are hitting full speed with the green light given for the purchase and fit out of an outside broadcast vehicle for €59,000.
Banner GAA Club in Ennis complete the list of successful projects in Clare. They are to get €50,000 for the tarmacadam of the walkway around the perimeter of the pitch.
In a major boost for County Clare, 20 projects have been awarded a total of €1.7 million. Welcoming the announcement, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan said, “These projects exemplify the diverse needs of communities and underscore the government’s commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces.”
Speaking on the announcement, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling made reference to the importance of this funding, stating that it “will enable communities across the county to enhance and expand their facilities, ensuring they continue to meet evolving community needs over time.”
Bernadette Haugh, Acting Director of Services in Clare County Council, emphasised the importance of this investment in enriching community life, “These projects are designed to bring communities together, making them more vibrant places to live, work in and visit”.
