Funding Boost For North Clare Amenity Park And Pavilion

The North Clare community facility was the only Clare recipient of funds out of a national allocation of EUR2.4m, announced today by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D.

The Lisdoonvarna Fáilte project features a large community crèche, multi-purpose Pavilion Hall, playground, and community sports field and athletics track. Development work on a looped walk around 30 acres of parkland in the North Clare town is also ongoing.

According to Joe Garrihy, Chairperson of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte, "This funding allocation will help meet the operational and management aspects of the new facilities."

He stated, "The entire project has been hugely successful and has brought a new lease of life to the local community and will hopefully present a central social outlet for the people of this part of North Clare"

"The delivery of this large project would not have not have been possible without Capital funding from Government of EUR2.6m, supplemented by local fundraising efforts and commitments from the Rooska and Spa Wells trustees", Mr. Garrihy added.

Commenting on the finding announcement, Minister of State and North Clare T.D., Tony Killeen said, ""These necessary funds importantly recognise the voluntary efforts of local community groups throughout Ireland."

The local T.D. praised the work of the Lisdoonvarna Fáilte Project in contributing to the rejuvenation of the town.

He continued, ‘Were it not for the commitment of the Project team the funding allocation of EUR1.27m made a number of years ago by the then Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Síle De Valera would not have been secured. I was delighted to support the local committee, when delays in drawing down the funding almost resulted in a loss of this significant grant aid.’

Minister Killeen added that the Community Services Programme had greatly benefited numerous organisations across County Clare.

"In recent years, over 60 people have been employed in twelve separate local projects. The projects funded by the Programme to date include Raidio Corca Baiscinn, Obair Environment Services Ltd, Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd, North Clare Amenity Park and Pavilion, Ennistymon FRC, Kilrush Family Resource Centre, Burren Display Centre Ltd in Kilfenora, the Capparoe-based Irish Seed Saver Association Ltd, Obair Childcare Services Ltd, Shannon Social Economy Maintenance Services Ltd, Vandeleur Walled Garden Enterprises Ltd in Kilrush, and Clare Accessible Transport," he said.

Minister Killeen continued, "The Community Services Programme aims to support local community activity, to address disadvantage and provide local employment opportunities for certain groups of people. In order to qualify for funding under the Community Service Programme, organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis. They must also recruit unemployed people to work in the project."

The Community Services Programme is managed by Pobal, on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

-ends-

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900