*Gort Arts received an allocation of €1,000. Photograph: Tom Micks
ELECTED MEMBERS of Galway County Council have approved €424,182 in grant funding for 342 projects under its Community Support Schemes, aimed at supporting tourism, community and cultural development across the county.
The schemes are designed to assist community and voluntary groups in taking an active role in local development by providing small-scale funding for projects that deliver clear benefits in their areas and enhance economic, social and cultural life.
Funding has been allocated to a wide range of initiatives, including projects that improve local amenities, facilities and services, as well as groups working to promote the arts, heritage and the Irish language. Support has also been provided for collaborative efforts such as festivals and participative events that are intended to increase footfall in towns and villages and support local economic activity, alongside initiatives that encourage greater participation in sport.
Cllr David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said there was strong interest in the schemes, reflecting the high level of volunteerism and community work across the county. “We are delighted to offer funding to groups throughout the county and across areas including culture, arts, heritage, sport, community and tourism. I wish to congratulate and thank every one of them.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “We are committed to supporting communities. With the great voluntary work that happens in communities, these funding supports can go a long way. The Community Support Schemes provide much needed financial support for many local communities throughout the county who, in conjunction with the Council, are doing very valuable work in their own local areas”.
Michael Owens, Director of Services, stated, “The schemes provide really practical support to community groups and amenities that are active at a grassroots level or who are looking to become more active in their local area. The funding is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, which are the lifeblood of our communities. These grants will go a long way in helping hundreds of great community organisations and clubs the length and breadth of the county”.
Large‑scale festivals in receipt of funding include the Clifden Traditional Music Festival, Galway Garden Festival, Headfest and the South Galway Bay Music Festival (€3,500 each), along with the Galway Comedy Festival and the Wild West Music Festival (€2,000 each). A further 82 smaller festivals and events across the county are receiving allocations ranging from €400 to €2,300.
56 local projects are being funded under the Community Development Support Scheme, including essential playground repairs at Páirc Spraoi Iorras Aithneach (€2,300), the provision of pollinator‑friendly planters in Ardrahan (€2,200), beach access repairs at Leitir Mealláin and Baile na Cille, and a lighting upgrade on the Annaghdown GAA Community Walkway (€1,000).
12 projects are to receive funding under the Environment Support Scheme, including the resurfacing of pathways in Woodford Burial Ground (€7,945) and Killalaghton Burial Ground (€7,548), measures to address gum‑litter blackspots in Tuam through specialist equipment and awareness campaigns (€3,680), and the replacement of rotted wooden seating with long‑life recycled benches in Abbeyknockmoy Burial Ground (€1,459).
Among the 66 projects to receive funding under the Sports Support Scheme are Ballymoe FC’s Women’s Football Programme, Tuam RFC’s Give it a Try Girls Programme, Kinvara Hockey Club’s Leadership Development Programme and Older Adults Chair Yoga at Moycullen Active Retirement Association (€1,000 each), along with new hurling equipment for Mullagh GAA Club (€950) and sports equipment for Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin (€738).
The Arts Support Scheme features funding for 54 projects including Galway Dance and Songs of Hope and Lament by the Tuam‑based Resurgam Choir (€2,300 each), Athenry Music School’s Intercultural Harp Project for Young Musicians (€2,100), a creative writing project for children aged 8 to 10 by Portumna Arts Group / Shorelines Arts Festival (€1,900), an Artist‑in‑Residence Programme by the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society (€1,300) and Headford Youth Theatre’s production of Shrek the Musical (€1,000).
14 community groups and voluntary organisations are benefiting under the Irish Support Scheme, including Club Pop‑up Gaeltacht Chinn Mhara, Pastime Chonamara, Clifden Comhaltas, Kilcroan NS, Gaeilgeoirí Áth Cinn and Scoil na bhForbacha.
Meanwhile, 62 projects are in receipt of funding totalling €60,000 under the Heritage Support Scheme, including Williamstown Tidy Towns’ Heritage Digital Mapping project, Belmont NS’s digitisation of school records, Féile na mBáid by Coiste Pobail Ros Muc (€1,308 each), the Lackagh Museum oral heritage project (€1,175) and the development of a wildlife trail by St Brendan’s NS in Eyrecourt (€1,170).
