Over €450K for community projects in Cavan and Monaghan

Seven local projects in Cavan and Monaghan are set to benefit from investment of over €450,0000 under the Community Recognition Fund.

The funding was announced by Minister for Rural Affairs Dara Calleary today and confirmed by his Fianna Fáil colleagues in Cavan - Minister of State Niamh Smyth and Deputy Brendan Smith, both of whom welcomed the news.

Denn GFC was the biggest beneficiary in Cavan, winning €94,445 investment for the installation of an all-weather pitch at Crosskeys.

Allocations of €50,000 each went to the Ballinagh Leisure and Sports Complex, Killinkere Leisure Centre and Mullagh Community Sports Centre.

In Ballinagh, the funding is earmarked to upgrade astro-turf facilities; in Killinkere, the money will be spent on accessibility improvement works; while in Mullagh refurbishment works on the centre are planned.

In Monaghan, €69,161 has been allocated to the council for a basketball court and equipment in Ballybay; €82,199 for the refurbishment of MUGA in Cloughvalley, Carrickmacross and a further €67,785 to upgrade the playground at Killygoan in Monaghan Town.

They are among 212 projects and groups supported under the Community Recognition Fund today.

“This announcement shows the substantial continued investment, through the Community Recognition Fund, in our sports clubs, community centres, parks, recreational trails and play and sensory spaces, which are a vital lifeline in our communities doing great work," said Junior Minister Smyth.

She congratulated all local groups and clubs on their successful applications and thanked them for their ongoing work in their respective communities.

Deputy Brendan Smith also expressed his delight at the local allocations and praised all those involved.

"This funding will assist in the provision of new and enhanced facilities benefitting local communities across recreation and sporting activities," he said.

"Government funding is essential in supporting local organisations and local authorities in providing a wide range of community facilities throughout rural parishes, towns and villages. In recent years there has been a very substantial investment in community facilities," concluded Deputy Smith.