New community centres confirmed for Ballymote and Kilglass
Minister Heather Humphreys officially opens the Kilglass Digital Hub. Back row: Minister Heather Humphreys, Louise McDonnell and Amanda McCloat. Front Row: Roisin Donegan, Aoife Sweeney and Zoe Doherty.
Minister Heather Humphreys officially opens the Kilglass Digital Hub. From Left: Patrick Cleary, Frank Feighan TD, Gerard Mullaney Cathaoirleach Sligo Co Co, Minister Heather Humphreys, Louise McDonnell, Marian Harkin TD, Cllr Martin Connolly & Cllr Joe Queenan.
Minister Heather Humphreys officially opens the Kilglass Digital Hub with Committee members from Left: Louise McDonnell, Colin Lynott, Minister Heather Humphreys, Fidelma Starrs, Shane Scott and Amanda McCloat.
COMMUNITIES in Ballymote and Kilglass received exciting news at the weekend with confirmation that both will get new community centres.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys announced the successful projects under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2023 – New Build while visiting Kilglass which received €1.1m and Ballymote which is to receive over €2.65 million.
Reacting to the announcement the chairperson of Kilglass Community Council, Louise McDonnell said the funding will be transformative for the area and will provide much-needed facilities which will support the community now and for decades to come.
“I would like to thank Minister Heather Humphreys TD and the Department of Rural and Community Development for giving our community this opportunity.
“I would like to acknowledge the support of Frank Feighan TD, who was instrumental in supporting our committee. I would also like to thank Sligo County Council for assisting us with the grant application process.
"This is the single biggest investment that has ever been made in Kilglass. Situated in the heart of the village, the community centre will provide a central focal point and a meeting place and base for activities for local people as well as providing a sense of place and identity for the community.”
The funding will support the development of a new community centre and multipurpose hall in the village of Kilglass, serving the communities of Kilglass, Enniscrone and Culleens.
This development will consist of a multipurpose hall that can be used for sports, meetings and other activities, and will feature a stage for performances of amateur plays, children’s concerts, and other community events. This will complete phase two of this landmark development and will provide much needed facilities in the community.
This development supports the goals under the Social
Minister Heather Humphreys officially opens the Kilglass Digital Hub with Committee Members, Frank Feighan TD, Gerard Mullaney Cathaoirleach Sligo Co Co, Marian Harkin TD & Cllr Joe Queenan.
Inclusion, Poverty, and Equality section of the Local Economic and Community Plan for County Sligo. As the area covered has a relatively high level of disadvantage, investment in new facilities will foster stronger community bonds and activities, thus lessening isolation, exclusion, and the risk of disadvantage.
Welcoming the new community centre announced for Ballymote, local councillor Dara Mulvey said that the new centre will be transformational for the south Sligo area.
“I am fully committed to continue working with Minister Humphreys and to advocate for other projects in south Sligo and will continue to help all community groups to ensure that this space can be used for all,” he said.
He praised the local community and Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan for their efforts to secure the funding. “This funding will be a major benefit to Ballymote and the surrounding area.”
Minister Heather Humphreys said community centres bring people of all ages together, whether it be for sporting, educational or social occasions. They are vital for engaging with those who may find themselves marginalised and they give everyone in the community a great sense of belonging. They build stronger, more vibrant communities – places that for so many people act as a home from home.
“The community centre is the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and cities around the country,” the Minister, who also officially opened the new Digital Hub in Kilglass, stated.
Frank Feighan TD said county Sligo has done exceptionally well, one of only two counties nationwide to receive funding for two projects.
“The new fund is specifically for communities that do not currently have a community centre.
“I really want to congratulate the two committees on the ground who have done exceptional work, preparing very professional plans, most of it done through their volunteers which is to be commended.”