Laois TDs Sean Fleming and Charlie Flanagan have announced that four Laois projects to share in a €385,000 Community Recognition Fund.
The Community Recognition Fund is a major initiative designed to specifically support communities across the country that are hosting people from Ukraine and other countries.
The funding has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there.
The Fund, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, follows an extensive consultation process with local authorities who submitted their individual list of projects for approval.
€150,000 has been allocated for St Mary’s Hall, Portlaoise to repair the roof of the building.
€100,000 has gone for the acquisition of land in Mountmellick for community use by Laois County Council.
Ballylinan GAA have received €70,000 for the development of a community walking track.
While €65,000 has gone to Clochar Community Centre, Rathdowney to develop a community and event space for groups.
Deputy Fleming said: “This is very good news for these local communities here in Laois. This funding will really help these developments and benefit their communities.
“St. Mary’s Hall in Portlaoise has badly needed repair works and this funding will drastically support upgrading the roof of the hall, for the Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club and other local groups that use the hall.
“I’m also pleased that Ballylinan GAA and Clochar Community Centre will receive this much needed funding to improve their facilities.
“This will be of real benefit to all the community in Ballylinan and Rathdowney.
“I want to thank everyone involved in each project for their work and I look forward to the completion of these new facilities and upgrades.”
Deputy Flanagan said: “I welcome this morning’s funding announcement that Laois will benefit from €385,000 in funding under the Community Recognition Fund.
“This funding will deliver a range of projects across County Laois including upgrades to sports facilities, community centres and community groups.
“As you can see the successful projects in Laois are diverse These projects will support and benefit the whole community, young and old alike.
“This is the first tranche of funding and there will be an opportunity for community groups to liaise with Laois County Council regarding the next phases of funding later this year.”
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