€1.6 million for 24 Mayo community and sports groups
MINISTER for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has awarded €1.6 million to community and sports groups in Mayo under the Community Recognition Fund.
“This is a major investment in sports clubs, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds across county Mayo, with 24 groups being awarded funding by my department - the level of funding secured for these groups ranges from €50,000 to €155,000,” said Minister Calleary.
“My focus in awarding this funding has been on making our towns and villages more vibrant places to live, work and visit and to say thank you for all the work that our community, voluntary and sports clubs do week in and week out.
“Mayo County Council, who administer this funding, have engaged with communities to identify their specific needs, which vary from one area to another. The diverse projects I am announcing today address those differing needs.”
He continued: “A mong the highlights of the successful Mayo applicants in this tranche of funding are Ballyhaunis Courthouse €155,000, St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, €54,570, Ballina Sensory Park €50,000, Ballycastle Resource Centre €54,570, Ballina Stephenites GAA Club €54,570, Killala Community Playground €54,570, Ballina Convent Regeneration €54,570, Claremorris Handball Club €50,950, Keel Sandy Banks Tennis Court €79,000, and Balla Secondary School €50,000.
“Other successful applicants include Ballinrobe GAA €114,620, Westport GAA €64,920, Westport Sports Complex €50,000, Westport United FC €50,000, Westport Chamber €50,000, Breaffy GAA €50,000, Lough Lannagh €100,000, House of Horrors Castlebar €60,000, Castlebar Community Playground €55,000, Castlebar Chamber €80,000, Castlebar Town FC €53,892, Castlebar Celtic FC €55,475, Claremorris SPLC €104,050 and Manulla Sporting Club CLG €89,673.
“Congratulations to each of these successful applicants - I am delighted to have been able to allocate this funding.”
This investment, he added, is just one part of the Community Recognition Fund.
The closing date for the next phase of applications from local authorities has been extended to February 28, and successful projects will be announced in the coming months.