Laois community groups receive over €220,000 funding under new scheme

Multiple community centres throughout County Laois are set to benefit from a new scheme announced today, November 4 to deliver enhancement and refurbishment works. 

Eleven projects in Laois have been successful in receiving funding to assist local community groups, community halls and community centres and community associations with the various work they do on a voluntarily basis in their area.

The Community Centres Investment Fund 2024 was launched in June of this year, and aims to provide investment for upgrade and refurbishments works on existing community centres under two categories;

• Category 1 for minor works with grant aid up to €25,000
• Category 2 for larger works with grant aid up to €100,000

The successful community centre projects announced are from Category 1 applicants, with over €7.6million is being announced under this scheme for 399 community centres across the country.

Making the announcement, Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said, “I am delighted to make this announcement today which will see important upgrade works carried out in community centres in towns, villages and parishes across the country.

“These are small grants which will make a big difference. The funding we are announcing today will support local groups to improve kitchen and toilet facilities, replace old windows and doors, upgrade the heating system and improve disability access," he added. 

Portarlington Community Centre CLG is set to receive €25,000 for facility enhancement works. Barrowhouse Community Centre has been successful in their efforts to fund the installation of solar panels, lighting and insulation to the tune of €11,000. 

To fund essential repairs to the rear wall of the "old chapel" room of the Borris Innovation Centre Community Hub, €23,445 has been awarded. Camross Community Association will receive €24,438 in order to fund essential maintenance to the roof and upgrade of the kitchen. 

The Community Hall in Vicarstown will be getting the funding for sanding and varnishing of the maple floor and reinstatement of line marking to the tune of €17,000. 

To update the rewiring, ancillary works, the installation of water heaters, hand dryers, the replacement and upgrade of emergency lighting, and the installation of an exterior door for the storage area of the community centre, Killasmeestia Community Centre will receive €16,713 from the grant. 

Killeshin AFC Community Clubhouse will now be able fund works related to stairs, fire-approved doors, flooring and insulation due to receiving €24,950 from the new scheme. 

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The Rambling House Community Centre put an application forward to fund damp proofing of walls, replacement of internal doors and windows, and internal painting in the community centre, the request was successful and they will now receive €23,564. 

Rosenallis Community Centre is now able to fund the repairing and varnishing of the hall floor, along with purchasing tables and chairs, thanks to the new scheme where they were awarded €15,733.

Shanahoe Community Hall are going to receive €22,370, to fund the refurbishment of the community centre. These refurbishments include replacing the fire exit, repairing the flooring, implementing shelving and storage facilities, and adding rubber matting. 

Timahoe Community Hall will now see the refurbishment of six toilets in the
community hall, as the scheme has awarded them €25,000. 

Seán Fleming TD warmly welcomes this announcement, stating, "I want to acknowledge all these voluntarily groups for the work they do and for applying for funding under this community centre funding programme. I know they will utilise these funds to further assist in the work they do in this area."

Minister Humphreys also went on the record to express her delight with this news, “I introduced the Community Centre Investment Fund in 2022. My ambition was to develop a fund to support our local community centres in the same way that the Sports Capital Programme supports upgrade and improvement works at our local sports facilities.

“They are places for people to meet up locally and engage in a wide range of activities whether it’s meals for the elderly, fitness classes, indoor soccer, yoga or even providing a space for the local drama group to perform – the community centre is a home for everybody.

“This funding is about supporting local groups to carry out vital upgrade works as well as enhancing the services and amenities they can provide to persons of all ages in their community,” she added. 

Successful projects under Category 2 will be announced in the coming months.