Energy Bills Fund For Community Centres

Winter Is Here by Riona Baldwin

ou know it’s cold outside when you go outside and it’s cold.

More or a nip than a freeze, as Sir Billy of Idol always says, it’s a nice day for a light sweater, it’s a nice day for a caaaaaaaaardigan!

Which is good news, given that a €308,000 fund helping Wicklow parish halls and community centres with their energy bills.

Speaking on the funding, Minister Simon Harris said, “I am delighted to announce that the Government’s new Community Support Fund will provide €308,000 worth of grants to a wide range of local Wicklow community groups to help with their running costs.”

We just said that.

Those eligible for a little help keeping the heat on include ICA groups, Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds, senior citizen groups, local development associations and the above-mentioned parish halls and community centres.

The funding can also be used by community groups to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities such as laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc.

“I fully appreciate the fantastic work carried out by volunteers in our communities across County Wicklow and today I am glad to see this work recognised,” Minister Harris concluded.

Cover pic: Kilcoole’s William Foley on his Wallace’s Coal Yard rounds. Source: Eddie Taylor