€634,922 in funding has been approved for community and sports facilities across CLÁR areas in Galway by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary (FF).
Provided under Our Rural Future, the Government’s five-year rural development plan, the funding will support 10 projects shortlisted and submitted by Galway County Council.
The largest award of €100,000 went to Portumna Chamber of Commerce and Galway County Council for a County Pilot initiative featuring facilities for persons with additional needs and Changing Places Toilet. Seven other projects each received €65,000, including upgrades to the community pitch and facilities at Lawrencetown Community Development, an outdoor gym and parking facilities at Killimordaly GAA Club, Astro and MUGA developments at Kiltartan National School and Glenamaddy, extended walkway and accessible parking at St Thomas GAA, and accessibility enhancements and carpark works at Meelick Eyrecourt GAA and Skehana Community Development.
Abbeyknockmoy Hurling Club received €54,900 for parking improvements and Pairc Spraoi Iorras Aithneach Cill Cháirain was awarded €25,022 for the development of a playground sensory area.
Cllr David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, praised the community groups and organisations for their dedication to finding new ways to improve their local areas. “Their commitment is reflected in the thought and care put into their project ideas and in their efforts to raise the match funding needed to bring these projects to life. I also wish to acknowledge the staff of the Council’s Rural, Community and Tourism Development department for working with the community groups in preparing the funding applications.”
Welcoming the government announcement, Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said CLÁR is a vitally important scheme for rural counties like Galway, where small-scale infrastructural projects can bring new life to local communities. “This year’s funding provides a strong return for the county, he said, supporting community groups and sporting clubs right across Galway. The Council is committed to working with all funding recipients to ensure their projects are delivered successfully and make a real difference for their communities.”
Nationally, the Government is investing €12.3 million to support the development of sports and outdoor facilities, including playgrounds, running tracks, astro turf pitches and spectator stands, as well as community buildings.
