EUR 116k Funding Boost For Projects in Feakle, Scariff and Carrigaholt

Minister of State and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen has received confirmation from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs that almost EUR116k has been allocated to County Clare under the 'Scheme of Grants for Locally Based Community & Voluntary Organisations'.

The Clare T.D. said that three separate groups would receive funding allowing for the refurbishment of premises and purchase of equipment, as well as training, education and research activities.

According to Minister Killeen, "I am delighted that three funding allocations have been made under the Scheme of Grants. The Scariff-based East Clare Community COOP has been allocated EUR40k, Feakle Muintir Na Tire receives almost EUR36k while EUR40 has been allocated to the Carrigaholt Community Hall/Parish Centre."

He added, "These necessary funds importantly recognise the voluntary effort of local community groups throughout Clare. This round of funding follows last April's allocation of over EUR68k to the Ennis-based Congress Information and Opportunity Centre and Sixmilebridge & District Community Complex Ltd."

"The Programme of Grants for these locally-based community and voluntary organisations provides such groups with a valuable source of funding and allows them to undertake important projects in their communities. I am sure this recent round of funding will yield exciting results as it is put to use in Carrigaholt, Scariff and Feakle", Minister Killeen concluded.

Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Pat Hayes from East Clare said, "The funding allocated to Feakle Muintir Na Tire enables the community group to proceed with refurbishment and upgrading works at Feakle Community Hall. This widely used facility facilitates the local community, especially youth, musical and sporting organisations. I also welcome the funding allocated to East Clare Community COOP in Scariff."

Commenting on the allocation of EUR40k to the Carrigaholt Community Hall/Parish Centre, West Clare Councillor Patrick Keane said, "The hall is the focal point of community activity in Carrigaholt. Therefore, this allocation of funds is very welcome and will allow for the continued refurbishment of the facility."

Under the 'Scheme of Grants for Locally Based Community & Voluntary Organisations', once-off grants are made available to help voluntary and community groups working with disadvantaged groups or in disadvantaged areas. The grants may be made for the acquisition or refurbishment of premises, or the purchase of equipment or transport. Grants towards wages or salaries or other running costs are not available under this Scheme.

Organisations that qualify under the Scheme include Voluntary Organisations with a focus on disadvantage; community development organisations and groups working in particularly disadvantaged areas or with disadvantaged groups; mutual support and self-help organisations, such as local personal development and community-based education groups, unemployed groups, etc; and Family Resource Centres and Family Support Groups.

For more see www.pobail.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
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