Breaking: €1.3 million in funding for community centres in Kilkenny

Funding of over €1.3 million has been allocated for community centres in Kilkenny.

The investments are made as part of a €33 million nation-wide package which will see the upgrade of 280 community centres up and down the country.

The investment will provide for extensions to some centres, energy efficiency upgrades to others and the provision of better access for people with mobility and disability challenges.

Repossessed home of Catriona Carey now on the Kilkenny property market

The funding has been welcomed by Deputy John Paul Phelan and Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick.

“Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, along with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, have announced funding of over €33 million for the upgrade and development of Community Centres nationwide.

"In Kilkenny, Urlingford Town Team gets €300,000. This will provide for the major refurbishment of the large former dance hall in Urlingford, including the replacement of the asbestos roof and externally insulating the reinforced concrete walls," he said.

“The announcement under the new Community Centre Investment Fund represents the largest ever capital investment in upgrading Community Centres and will see grants of between €25,000 to €300,000 provided to successful projects.”

Meanwhile Cathaoirleach Pat Fitzpatrick also welcomed the funding for the Urlingford Town Team and also funding of €46,932.16 for Muckalee Community Centre.

"I want to welcome funding for all the community centres that have benefitted. This funding will make a real difference to local communities," he added.

Community centres that will benefit include: Kilkenny Droichead Family Resource Centre Company Limited By Guarantee (€25,000), Kilkenny Ballyhale Shamrocks (€25,000), Kilkenny St. Canice's Community Action Company Limited By Guarantee (€50,000), Kilkenny Aiseiri Cahir Designated Activity Company (€42,704.68), Kilkenny Ossory Youth Services (€64,006.38), Kilkenny Graignamanagh Hall (€53,000) Kilkenny Barrow Valley Community Development Company Limited By Guarantee (€89,817.75), Kilkenny Thomastown Community Centre Ltd (€35,768.14), Kilkenny Gasoga Na Héireann /Scouting Ireland (€100,000), Kilkenny Muckalee Community Centre Ltd (€46,932.16), Kilkenny St. Kieran's Community Hall (€190,476.19), Kilkenny Community Centre, Claddagh Court, Kilkenny (€288,323.06) and Kilkenny Urlingford Town Team Company Limited by Guarantee (€300,000).