Funding announced for two new community centres in County Sligo

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys announced the successful projects under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2023 – New Build while visiting Kilglass, which received €1.1m, and Ballymote, which is to receive over €2.65 million to build brand new community centres.

“County Sligo has done exceptionally well, one of only two counties nationwide to receive funding for two projects,” said local Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan.

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“The new fund is specifically for communities that do not currently have a community centre.

“For the last year or so I have been working closely with our local councillors, Gerard Mullaney and Dara Mulvey alongside local FG candidate in west Sligo Patrick Cleary to get these applications ‘over the line’.

“While I was delighted that Minister Humphreys established the Community Centre Investment Fund in 2022, which to date has provided €45.8m to over 860 projects, it is for maintenance and upgrading of existing centres only. This fund is directed at communities without a centre at all.

“Twelve communities across the country will now be given between €1 million and €6 million to build brand new centres that will serve as focal points for their communities and a wide variety of community groups and organisations.

“I really want to congratulate the two committees on the ground who have done exceptional work, preparing very professional plans most of it done through their volunteers which is to be commended.

“The Community Centre Investment Funding has now provided over €75 million to towns and villages all over the country.

“With the population of every county in Ireland growing steadily, this fund underscores Fine Gael’s commitment to building stronger communities across Ireland today and into the future,” said Deputy Feighan.

The funding will support the development of a new community centre and multipurpose hall in the village of Kilglass, serving the communities of Kilglass, Enniscrone and Culleens.

The development will consist of a multipurpose hall that can be used for sports, meetings, and other activities, and will feature a stage for performances of amateur plays, children’s concerts, and other community events. This will complete phase two of this landmark development and will provide much needed facilities in the community.

The development supports the goals under the Social Inclusion, Poverty, and Equality section of the Local Economic and Community Plan for County Sligo.

As the area covered has a relatively high level of disadvantage, investment in new facilities will foster stronger community bonds and activities, thus lessening isolation, exclusion, and the risk of disadvantage.

Welcoming the announcement, Chairperson of Kilglass Community Council, Louise McDonnell, said: “This funding will be transformative for the area and will provide much-needed facilities which will support the community now and for decades to come. I would like to thank Minister Heather Humphreys T.D. and the Department of Rural and Community Development for giving our community this opportunity ”

McDonnell went on to say: “I would like to acknowledge the support of Frank Feighan TD, who was instrumental in supporting our committee. I would also like to thank Sligo County Council for assisting us with the grant application process.

"This is the single biggest investment that has ever been made in Kilglass. Situated in the heart of the village, the Community Centre will provide a central focal point and a meeting place and base for activities for local people as well as providing a sense of place and identity for the community.”

Cllr Dara Mulvey said the new community centre in Ballymote will be transformational for the south Sligo area.

“I am fully committed to continue working with Minister Humphreys and to advocate for other projects in South Sligo and will continue to help all community groups to ensure that this space can be used for all,” he said.

He added: “I want to commend the local committee and Frank Feighan TD for working with us to secure this funding which will be a major benefit to Ballymote and surrounding area.”

Minister Humphreys said: “Our community centres bring people of all ages together, whether it be for sporting, educational or social occasions. They are vital for engaging with those who may find themselves marginalised and they give everyone in the community a great sense of belonging. They build, stronger, more vibrant communities – places that for so many people act as a home from home.

“You could say that the community centre is the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and cities around the country,” said the Minister who also officially opened the new Digital Hub in Kilglass.