Over €570,000 funding for Community Facilities

Community Recognition funding of €570,422 has been announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys for six projects in County Cavan. The funding is part of a €16.5 million investment in 185 projects nationwide.

The funding, which will support projects in Cavan Town, Blacklion, Belturbet, Kingscourt, and Mullagh, has been hailed by Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr TP O’Reilly, who praised the Department for its support of communities in County Cavan.

“This funding will make a real difference in communities who themselves have made a real difference by welcoming those in need during this period of global unrest. From walking tracks to gym equipment, park facilities to refurbishments of meeting rooms and community centres, this funding will help communities right across the county in myriad ways,” said Cllr O’Reilly.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said, “This major investment, under the Community Recognition Fund, will support the upgrade of sports facilities, community centres, walking trails, parks, playgrounds and so much more. All the projects being funded today are designed to bring communities together and make them more vibrant places to live, work and visit. This is about giving back and saying, ‘thank you’ to communities for what they do week-in, week-out”.

The successful projects announced are as follows:

  • Upgrade of walking track and provision of lighting at Shannon Gaels GAA, Blacklion: €74,889
  • Upgrade works at Cavan Sports Complex including extension of gym and new equipment: €194,432
  • Redevelopment of Morrissey Park, Belturbet: €150,000
  • Roof refurbishment at Kingscourt Community Centre: €50,301
  • Refurbishment of meeting room at Kingscourt Stars GAA: €50,400
  • Refurbishment works on roof at St Kilian’s Heritage Centre, Mullagh: €50,400

Cavan County Council Director of Service for Community, Enterprise and Tourism, and Planning, Mr Brendan Jennings said “We are grateful to Minister Humphreys and her Department officials for their ongoing support of community projects in County Cavan. I would like to also highlight the efforts of our own Community, Enterprise and Tourism staff, and indeed the community and voluntary sector for their continued efforts to improve facilities in our county, making it a better place to live, work, and visit”.

Following the announcement Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, announced that there will be a further two tranches of Community Recognition Funding, with applications open until 30th September 2024 and 31st January 2025, saying, “I would encourage community groups to liaise with your local authorities in this regard. I want to commend all of the communities who have worked collaboratively with all stakeholders, I think we can all see what can be achieved when we all put out shoulder to the wheel”.