Funding boost of €300k announced for new Killeigh Community Centre
Construction work recently got underway on the new community centre in Killeigh, and this morning (Thursday) the Government announced a significant funding boost for the project.
A grant of €300,000 has been allocated for the facility, on the site of the former Macra Hall, through a new Community Centre Investment Fund.
Minister Heather Humphreys and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar announced the funding for the Killeigh centre and for upgrade and development works at 277 other community centres nationally, including six other projects in Offaly.
The Government said the Killeigh centre, which is being built by Offaly company Allen Kenny Construction Ltd, would consist of a 200 metre recreation hall that would hold up to 300 people and operate as a social hub.
"The project will also see the provision of a canteen, toilets and a meeting room that will be used for public information sessions," it added.
The development is expected to cost in the region of €1 million, and it's due to be completed by the end of next year.
The €300,000 for the Killeigh project was the largest single allocation for a project in Offaly under the Community Centre Investment Fund, but six other projects in the county were awarded funding from it also.
The Midlands Regional Youth Service in Offaly was granted €100,000; while Kilcormac Development Association received €98,418 and Birr Development Company received €95,000.
In addition, the Rhode Parish Enterprise Association was given €54,339; Shinrone Development DAC got a grant of €32,283; and Moneygall Community Hall was allocated €25,000.
The Government said this funding could be used to support a variety of works, such as extensions to existing community centres, retrofitting or heating upgrades, essential maintenance, fire safety upgrades, disability access improvements and initiatives such as community cinemas, youth hubs and community libraries.
In total, over €33 million was awarded for works at 278 Community Centres nationwide
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar described the Community Centre Investment Fund as "ground-breaking investment" from the State.
"In time, I think it will become as significant as the Sport Capital Programme which has brought local sporting facilities up a level that would have been unimaginable 20 years ago," he stated.