FIVE towns and village across Galway are to benefit from a government fund to support communities that have welcomed families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries in recent times.
€341,983 has been allocated under the Community Recognition Fund for the purpose of upgrading a range of community-based amenities.
Managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht through the ‘Our Rural Future and Project Ireland 2040’ programme, the Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used by all members of the community with funding allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new community arrivals.
There are six Galway projects in receipt of funding. They include the upgrade of the public playground at Ballinasloe Leisure Centre (€50,000), an upgrade of the public playground at Hymany Park/Esker Fields in Ballinasloe (€50,000), the development of a Multi Use Games Area at Ionad Pobail an Mháma in Maam (€85,651), the delivery of an inclusive play and accessibility area at Corribdale Community Park in Oughterard (€50,000), the provision of community walkway enhancements and an energy efficiency upgrade at Carnmore Hurling Club and the Community Centre in Baile Chláir (Claregalway), and the upgrade of audio-visual equipment at Kinvara Community Centre (€53,402).
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Martina Kinnane (FF) said, “This a wonderful day for those communities who have received an allocation of funding and demonstrate the hard work being carried out by our many local voluntary groups to ensure new arrivals to their communities receive a warm welcome. The funding allocations are a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people come together for the benefit of their local community”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “Galway County Council is proud to be able to support our communities in securing allocations under his funding scheme, which recognises the unique value and contributions made at community level by voluntary and community groups. Supporting these projects will bring real value to the communities involved”.
“This allocation represents the coming together of community leaders, multiple local groups elected members and Council staff, to help identify and development projects that will have an amenity and social impact which will benefit the relevant local communities and local residents for many years to come,” stated Jackie Carroll, Director of Services, Rural, Community Integration & Environment.
