Over €730,000 for Community Centre Improvements Across County Louth
Ardee News and Sport – Over €730,000 for Community Centre Improvements Across County Louth
Community centres across County Louth are set for major upgrades as Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has announced over €731,561 in funding under the 2024 Community Centres Investment Fund. This funding is part of a nationwide investment of €26.1 million, supporting 369 community centres across Ireland.
The investment will deliver essential enhancement and refurbishment works, ensuring that these vital community hubs remain modern, accessible, and sustainable. Minister Calleary highlighted the importance of these facilities, saying:
“Community centres are the lifeblood of our communities. They play host to some of our most important occasions, in good times and in bad. Again in recent weeks, we have seen the importance of these centres for their local communities as many of them became emergency hubs in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.”
He further emphasized that the funding will enable local groups to improve their facilities, whether through structural repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, or accessibility improvements, ensuring that these spaces continue to serve their communities for years to come.
Breakdown of Funding for Louth
The funding will be distributed among 11 community centres across County Louth, with grants of up to €100,000 per project. The investment will support a variety of works, including roof renovations, kitchen and toilet upgrades, energy efficiency measures, and accessibility improvements.
Here are some of the key projects receiving funding:
• Cooley Kickhams GFC – Installation of new energy-efficient hot water tanks, triple-glazed uPVC windows, and energy-efficient PVC composite external doors (€85,359).
• Kilkerley Community Development Group Ltd – Roof replacement, installation of an automated extractor fan system, and smoke extraction fan for the stairs (€40,000).
• Mattock Rangers GFC – Renovation of the roof, toilet upgrades, improved light fittings, and replacement of floor coverings (€50,000).
• Naomh Fionnbarra & St. Anne’s GFG – Renovation of meeting room, hallway, kitchen, and toilets (€31,497).
• St. Bride’s GFC – Installation of a lift to improve accessibility (€25,000).
• St. Nicholas’ GFC Community Clubhouse – Refurbishment of the centre, including installation of acoustic undercarriage on the 1st floor and new floor coverings (€67,728).
• St. Kevin’s GAA Community Hall – Structural renovations to improve energy efficiency, safety, and functionality (€100,000).
• Drogheda Community Services Trust – Extension to Drogheda Community Services Centre (€100,000).
• St. Fechin’s GAA Community Centre – Upgrading of acoustic panelling and stage lighting (€32,000).
• Geraldine’s GFC Haggardstown – Improvements to kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as essential maintenance of walls and floors (€55,454).
• Killanny Community & Sports Association – Installation of solar PV panels and upgrade to LED fixtures (€76,950).
Strengthening Communities Across Louth
This investment builds on the €7.8 million in funding announced in November 2024, which supported over 400 smaller-scale refurbishment projects.
Minister Calleary reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting rural and urban communities, stating:
“These projects will ensure that community centres remain at the heart of local life, providing safe and welcoming spaces for residents. Whether it’s a new roof, better insulation, kitchen improvements, or better accessibility, this funding is an investment in the future of our communities.”
The funding will allow these centres to enhance their sustainability, making them more energy-efficient and accessible to all members of the community.
Over €730,000 for Continued Investment in Community Infrastructure
With over €109 million approved under the Community Centres Investment Fund to date, the government remains committed to strengthening community infrastructure.
Residents across County Louth can expect to see these works take shape in the coming months, reinforcing the vital role of community centres as gathering places, support hubs, and essential services for all ages.
