Major Moolah For Greystones Tennis Club

They’re in the moolah. Again.

atest press release from Taoiseach Simon Harris, issued on Monday, November 4th 2024…

The Taoiseach has today confirmed close to €150k for community centres in Wicklow.

These community centres have been awarded €140,679 in funding to support upgrade and refurbishment works and the delivery of various projects, from installing solar panels, new toilets, new kitchens and so much more.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced the funding today alongside his colleague Minister Heather Humphreys

Speaking today the Taoiseach said: “I am delighted to be making this announcement today which will really benefit community centres in Wicklow which are used by so many here in the County.

“These are small grants which will make a big difference. The funding I am announcing today will support local groups to improve kitchen and toilet facilities, replace old windows and doors, upgrade the heating system and improve disability access.

“I want to congratulate the committees and local volunteers for all the work they do to ensure that our community centres are at the heart of our local communities.

“I congratulate them on submitting successful applications and I look forward to seeing works commence on these projects over the coming months.”

The Community Centres Investment Fund 2024 was launched in June 2024 to provide investment for upgrade and refurbishments works on existing community centres under two categories. Category 1 for minor works with grant aid up to €25,000 and Category 2 for larger works with grant aid up to €100,000.

The successful community centre projects announced today are Category 1 applicants and will receive capital grants of up to €25,000. Over €7.6million is being announced under Category 1.

Successful projects under Category 2 will be announced in the coming months.

The list of successful community groups in Wicklow can be found below:

⦿ Aughrim Tidy Towns CLG
Pavilion Community Centre
Purpose: Renovation of disabled toilets
Funding: €15,127

⦿ Cill Bhríde CLG
Cill Bhríde Community Centre
Purpose: Refurbishment of the kitchen
Funding: €18,350

⦿ Donard Community Enterprises CLG
Donard Community Hall
Purpose: Toilet upgrade, seats, tables, kitchen ventilation, and roof light in entrance lobby
Funding: €19,750

⦿ Greystones Lawn Tennis Club
Greystones Lawn Tennis Club and Community Centre
Purpose: Installation of a lift for disability access
Funding: €12,500

⦿ Greystones Presbyterian Church
Greystones Presbyterian Church Community Hall
Purpose: Attic insulation, kitchen improvements, fireproofing compliance, ramp with railings
Funding: €19,160

⦿ Nockan Developments CLG
Knockananna Community Hall
Purpose: Electrical upgrades, including heaters, plug sockets, stage lighting, and fire alarm
Funding: €21,511

⦿ Rathdrum Rugby Football Club
Rathdrum Rugby Clubhouse
Purpose: Installation of Solar PV Panels
Funding: €17,000

⦿ Rathnew Community Centre CLG
Rathnew Community Centre
Purpose: Internal painting and floor restoration
Funding: €17,281

The total funding across all community centres in Wicklow is €140,679.

““Whether it’s Irish dancing lessons for children or art classes for our retired people,” continues Harris, “our community centres in Wicklow have always been a central point of every town and village for people to come together, learn a new skill, practice a hobby or just socialise with others.

“Today’s funding is all about giving our communities a helping hand and making our towns and villages better places to live, work and raise a family.

“I would also like to thank all our volunteers who work so hard to keep the lights on and facilitate activities in our local community centres – their work is never taken for granted.”