EirGrid, the national electricity grid operator, has awarded €153,450 to community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Laois and Kilkenny.
Nine of the 14 groups are in Laois, sharing a combined €120,340.62.
The funding is Phase 2 of EirGrid’s Community Benefit Fund initiative, which will total €511,500 by the time of the third and final instalment.
The successful Laois applicants were awarded almost €70,000 in Timahoe, over €46,000 in Ballinakill, and close to €4,000 in Spink.
Ballinakill – €46,528.03
- Jolly Tots Community Playschool – Playground upgrade – €15,200
- Ballinakill GAA – Redevelopment of clubhouse – €20,535
- Ballinakill Community Development Association CLG – Commission of an Economic framework plan – €10,793.03
Spink – €3,999.20
- Spink Tidy Towns – Small Shed to house mower – €3,999.20
Timahoe – €69,813.39
- Timahoe Community Hall – Carpark Upgrade – €24,000
- Tigh Mochua Le Cheile – Equipment storage facility – €6,913.51
- Timahoe Male Choir – Mobile Sound Equipment – €3,992
- Scoil Mhuire Fatima – Resurfacing basketball court – €10,607.88
- Timahoe GAA – New ball wall – €24,300
“This fund displays EirGrid’s commitment to supporting local communities throughout the lifetime of its projects, specifically those situated along the line between Coolnabacky in County Laois and Ballyragget, County Kilkenny,” the company said.
The programme centres around providing grants to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises, which EirGrid say “strive to positively impact the area they are located in.”
Phase 2 is specifically designed to enable community infrastructure upgrades for social and sports hubs.
Phase 2 also aims to support local culture and heritage, as well as environmental and sustainability initiatives.
“We acknowledge the vital part that local communities play in facilitating and supporting this critical grid development”, said Sinead Dooley, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement.
“That is why we are committed to ensuring that the benefits are widespread and enduring.
“Along with supporting social and economic growth through enhanced infrastructure, EirGrid’s focus is to provide direct benefits to communities closest to new infrastructure.
“This is clear to see through the variety of groups all across Laois and Kilkenny who will benefit from this latest phase of funding.”
To ensure that these grants are distributed in a transparent, participatory and inclusive manner, independent facilitator M-CO are responsible for administering the fund.
All details regarding the Laois-Kilkenny Community Benefit Fund are available at eirgrid.ie/Laois-Kilkenny, along with further information about the project at large.
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