Seven Laois organisations have benefited to the tune of €139,100 thanks to two government schemes which were rolled out in recent days.
The Community Services Programme Support Fund, unveiled by the Department of Rural and Community Development, saw three organisations share in €7,700.
The Abbeyleix Heritage Company and the Mountmellick Community Sports Complex Company both received €2,200 while the Treo Nua Company gained €3,400.
The CSP supports community-based organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model, providing a contribution towards the cost of staff in CSP supported organisations.
It typically supports organisations to meet local service gaps and provide access to services and facilities that would otherwise generally be unavailable.
Meanwhile, the remaining €131,400 was handed out to four sports clubs who each want to develop their facilities through the Sports Capital Funding.
Park-Ratheniska were the bigger winners as they were given €78,200 to redevelop their clubhouse.
The next biggest recipient in Laois was St Abban’s Athletic Club which got €25,600 to develop its existing track and field area.
Also getting valuable support is St Anne’s FC in Ballylinan. The soccer club received €20,200 for grounds security, fencing and pitch containment.
Finally, Portlaoise Golf Club received €7,400 for green and bunker redevelopment.
Minister Shane Ross said the programme remains an essential vehicle for providing suitable sports facilities and equipment to allow as many people participate in sport as possible.
He said: “The grants which we have approved today will benefit every county and 23 different sports will see improved facilities and equipment. I look forward to announcing grants to many more deserving sports projects later in the year.”
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