Clongeen Hall works progressing at pace thanks to fundraisers
WORK is progressing at pace on a new look community hall for residents of the Clongeen and Foulksmills areas.
A large crowd attended a fundraising concert by Mick Flavin at the Oak Tree pub in Foulksmills recently where a large sum was raised.
One of the organises Bernie Whelan said: ‘It was a very successful fundraiser for the upgrade and refurbishment we are undertaking on our community hall in Clongeen village.’
In May, 2018 a committee was formed to undertake the much need renovations on the local hall to bring it up to the 21st century requirements to facilitate the community of Clongeen from the very young to the elderly.
A grant of €100,000 (80 per cent of the overall cost) was secured from the Department of Rural & Community Development under the Town & Village Scheme to complete Phase 1 of the renovations. Phase 1 is inclusive of toilets and an extension to include a new stage and youth facility room complete with fire escapes. Further to this two grants from Wexford Leader were secured for Arts & Culture and Youth Facilities 75 per cent of the overall cost. This work is now near completion.
The next step is complete phase 11 of the renovation project to include the roof, a new entrance foyer, disabled parking spaces, upgrade of kitchen and existing meeting room, and new sports floor to main Hall area, all associated works.
‘We hope to secure funding from the Department of Rural & Community Development again for this phase under the town and village scheme. Funding for this will be sought from the relevant local authorities and if successful between 75 per cent and 80 per cent funding will be awarded. The shortfall will be raised through various fundraising events. Once our renovations are completed the hall will be for the benefit of the community and surrounding areas, for reconciliation, sport, entertainment, educational and upskilling.’
The committee would like to thank the community and surrounding area for their continuous support and generosity.