LUCKY 13 RECEIVE FUNDING
COMMUNITY GROUPS around County Wexford received a welcome boost from Wexford Local Development when they were awarded Leader grants totalling €266,000 for arts and cultural projects and developments.
The grants are administered in partnership with Wexford County Council. WLD CEO Brian Kehoe said that of the €7.5 million allocated to the county for business and community developments from 2014 to 2020, €3.4 million has now been awarded.
He said: ‘Funding granted to date has been shared by 96 businesses and community groups. The interest in funding has been huge, particularly from active community groups and we are expecting demand to increase as we move into the final two years of the programme.’
Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan, chairperson of the Wexford Local Community Development Committee, said they were delighted to approve such a variety of projects.
‘The 13 applications approved foster our county’s strong creative culture and prioritise the development of our young people; they are all very worthy investments.’
Among the 13 award recipients is the Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Dance Festival and their grant will be used to purchase a new custom designed stage.
Bernie Morrissey, committee treasurer for the festival, said: ‘Our existing stage has been well utilised by Enniscorthy groups over the last ten years and so it is badly in need of replacing; this funding award has come at a great time. We are looking forward to getting our new stage and to another ten years of use at Enniscorthy’s range of brilliant community events and, in particular, at our own dance festival next June.’
Mr Kehoe added that WLD was now accepting expressions of interest for community enhancements, facilities and equipment. The deadline for applications is February 7 at midday.
The full list of awards in this round of grants is: Ballycogley Players - €18,308.90; Clongeen Community Development Group - €48,981.44; Danescastle Music Group - €4,951.75; Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Dance Festival - €18,562.50; Gorey Art Collective - €4,539.56; Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network - €25,606.45; Wexford Arts Centre - €9,850; Wexford Male Voice Choir - €10,307.77; Wexford Mental Health Association - €34,455.35; Ferns Diocesan Youth Service - €26,033.65; Kilanerin-Ballyfad Community Development Association - €12,302.52; St Anne’s GAA Club - €26,101.16; Youth New Ross - €27,000.