Six Waterford community centres to receive fund of €135,000

Six community centres have been awarded €135,094 for small upgrade and refurbishment works.

The funding comes from the €5.6 million Community Centre Investment Fund, and the six local centres are as follows:

• Barron Community Hall, Stradbally- €23,750 for building maintenance works and the replacement of equipment and furniture.
• Portlaw GAA Community Support Centre- €23,575 for the installation of internal flooring and wall cladding within the bathrooms.
• Old Schoolhouse, Clashmore- €23,206 for the installation of new toilets and a mini movie theatre.
• St. Brigid’s Family and Community Centre, Waterford City- €22,945 to upgrade the existing gas boiler.
• Rainbow Community Hall, Kilmacthomas-€21,936 for carpentry, tiling and painting works and purchase of equipment.
• Modeligo- €19,682 for essential upgrade works to community centre ceiling.

Waterford Ministers Mary Butler and John Cummins welcomed the announcement made by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

“Community centres serve as the true cornerstone of local life, providing a vital space where people gather for social, cultural, and sporting activities through every season of life. 

"This dedicated funding is designed to strengthen our grassroots organisations, enabling them to expand their services and improve their facilities within a more welcoming, energy-efficient, and inclusive environment,” said Minister Butler.

“This new funding will help local groups expand their services and upgrade facilities into more modern, energy-efficient, and accessible spaces. 

"I want to commend all of those involved in these groups who have worked so diligently to secure this funding to benefit their local area.” 

Minister Cummins said this is fantastic news for communities across County Waterford.

“I have no doubt this funding will make a tangible difference in Stradbally, Portlaw, Clashmore, Waterford City, Kilmacthomas and Modeligo, said Minister Cummins.

“Our focus is firmly on delivery, working across Government to deliver practical improvements that make a real difference to people living and working in rural Ireland.

"This announcement is part of that delivery, with funding to enhance facilities in Waterford, nationwide and even more centres will be approved funding before the end of the year.

“Community centres are the keystone to community life. It is here we meet for social, cultural and sporting events, in good times and bad. 

"This funding will empower community groups to be more resilient and to offer a wider range of facilities and supports in a more comfortable, sustainable and accessible setting.”