Four community projects in Laois will share in €308,465 under the latest round of the Community Recognition Fund.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
The funding being provided today is going to projects located in those towns, villages and city neighbourhoods that are hosting and supporting our new arrivals.
€95,000 is going to Rathdowney for playground enhancements while €82,260 is going to Emo/Rath for tartan sprint lanes at their athletics track.
St Colman’s National School in Stradbally is receiving €80,000 for a car park and outdoor toilet facilities at their new astro.
While Laois Partnership Company is receiving €51,205 for the purchase of a mini bus/community vehicle.
Local TDs, Fine Gael’s Willie Aird and Fianna Fail’s Sean Fleming, welcomed the news.
Deputy Aird said: “It’s fantastic to see continued investment in our sports clubs, community centres, parks, walking trails and play spaces through the Community Recognition Fund.
“The Community Recognition Fund was introduced to support towns and villages who have welcomed new arrivals, to help them upgrade facilities that will be used by everyone in the community.
“Across Laois there will be major investment, supporting a diverse range of projects. Overall, across Ireland we’ll see over €14 million to deliver 163 community projects.
“The investment announced today will deliver a diverse range of projects and includes upgrades and enhancements to much needed sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds.
“I’m particularly delighted to see €51,205 allocated to Laois Partnership Company Purchase of a mini bus/community vehicle, €95,000 allocated to Rathdowney for playground and MUGA
enhancement, €82,269 to Emo/Rath Athletics Club for tartan sprint lines and €80,000 to St Coleman’s NS for a car park and outdoor toilet facilities.
“I want to congratulate the community groups who have been the driving force behind the successful applications and look forward to seeing the completed projects.
“I would also like to let community groups know that the closing date for the next phase of applications from local authorities has been extended to February 28, if they wish to apply, and successful projects will be announced in the coming months.
“The funding announced today by the Department of Social Protection builds on the hard work of former Minister Heather Humphreys and Fine Gael in ensuring community projects
across Laois get the support they need.”
Deputy Sean Fleming said: “These funds will support the upgrade and provision of much needed community, sports, parks and other facilities in the 4 locations in Co. Laois.
“I want to thank the community groups and volunteers for their efforts to make their communities a better place and to acknowledge the pride they have shown in their areas.
“Laois County Council had a key role in this process and their support and guidance is very much appreciated both at community level and government level.
“I wish the groups in Rathdowney, Emo Stradbally and Portlaoise every success with their projects and I look forward to ensuring the funds are used for the full benefit of the local communities and the various projects are completed as soon as possible.”
Angela McEvoy, Director of Services, Laois County Council said: “Laois County Council is delighted to welcome this investment in our tourism sector which compliments the national and local investment in our natural amenities, towns and villages and achieves many of the objectives as set out in our Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.
“This funding will enhance the experiences of visitors to our County and support sustainable development and job creation. We look forward to the positive impact this funding will create
within Co Laois.”
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