Kilkenny community centres to benefit from new upgrade fund

Community groups across County Kilkenny are urged to apply for a new fund to upgrade local community centres.

Funding of up to €100,000 will be awarded to successful applicants, under the new  Community Centres Investment Fund 2024.

Included in this new fund are works like the refurbishment of kitchens and toilets, energy-saving upgrades to windows and doors, energy efficiency upgrades and improving access for people with disabilities.

Deputy John Paul Phelan said that an online registration portal is now open after the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced a total of €20 million in funding to support the upgrade and refurbishment of community centres across the country. 

"All applicants must register as 'users' on the online portal here in advance of the application process which will open on 29th July 2024. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but should check that their details are still correct.

Kilkenny's Cllr. John Coonan encouraged all community groups in Kilkenny to consider applying and take advantage of this valuable support. "These grants offer a fantastic opportunity for local groups to enhance and develop their facilities, making them more accessible and efficient. Our community centres are vital spaces where people come together, and this funding will ensure they continue to serve our needs well into the future," he said.

Announcing the funding today (Friday), Minister Humphreys said: “In good times and bad, our community centres provide the physical space for friends, neighbours and those who are socially isolated to come together.  This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local community groups to improve their own local community spaces. 

“I am encouraging all local groups to consider how a grant could support them in developing their community facility. Whether it be to upgrade the kitchen, the provision of toilet facilities, or perhaps to carry out small renovation works – this funding is designed to support community groups to make the improvements they need in their Community Centre.”

 How to Apply

The ‘Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 – Refurbishment’ will provide grants for projects from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs.

This is broken down into two categories of funding:

• Category 1:

Small scale projects/improvements to facilities: €10,000 - €25,000. 

• Category 2:

Larger scale projects: €25,001 to €100,000.

The scheme will be delivered in conjunction with Pobal.

Groups are strongly advised to get their application and paperwork ready in advance of the application process opening on 29th July.  The closing date for applications will be 29th August 2024.

There will be a number of online information events to assist potential applicants, the first of which will take place on Tuesday 25th June.