Funding windfall for Kilkenny town's community facility

Department, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Thursday, 5 June) announced over €17 million to deliver 212 community projects nationwide through the Community Recognition Fund - including a community hall in Kilkenny.

This, the third announcement of projects under the 2024 fund, will deliver real and tangible benefits to communities across the country who have welcomed new arrivals in recent years to their cities, towns and villages.

Included in the list of 212 projects announced today are enhancement works to community centres, a wide range of recreational facilities, and the purchase of buildings and lands for future shared use by communities.

A grant of €173,843 has been allocated for work at the CYSM Hall in Ballyragget for replacement of the roof there.

This has been welcomed by local councillor, Pat Fitzpatrick. Thanking Kilkenny County Council's Katherine Peacock and her team, Cllr Fitzpatrick also praised the local community involvement with the application process. This funding is much needed, he said.

Cllr Fitzpatrick highlighted the significance of community halls as essential spaces for local activities and projects. He expressed his delight that after years of campaigning by the community that this much-needed funding has been secured.

"I want to thank everyone who worked to secure this funding, including the local community team in Ballyragget and the Kilkenny County Council team,"  said Cllr Fitzpatrick. "This funding will go a long way in improving the conditions of the hall and ensuring its continued service to the community for many years to come," concluded Cllr Fitzpatrick