Over €500,000 Allocated To Midlands Community Projects

Wednesday, 21 June 2023 10:34

Over 300 projects in the region are in line to benefit.

Community groups in the midlands are in line to benefit from over €500,000 in funding.

The money comes from the Community Support Fund, which was launched with a ten million euro total last November.

188 projects in Offaly will benefit from over €280,000, while more than €275,000 has been allocated to 132 groups in Laois.

Announcing the successful projects for Co. Laois today, Minister Humphreys says:

"I am delighted to announce almost €277,000 in funding for 132 local projects across County Laois today as part of my Department’s Community Support Fund. Through ‘Our Rural Future’, I want to support locally led, ground-up projects in local communities across the country. This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs with their energy costs, whether it’s the electricity bill, insurance costs or other overheads.

While these grants are small in nature, they can make a big difference by allowing local community organisations to carry out much needed works in their area.

I fully appreciate the fantastic work carried out by volunteers in communities across the country whether it’s the local Parish Hall Committee, the Development Association or the local Senior Citizens Group. These local committees work hard to make sure they can keep the lights on and run fantastic local services and events for young and old to enjoy.

I would like to thank Laois County Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund."

Also announcing the successful projects today, Minister Joe O’Brien says:

"The Community Support Fund provides a range of invaluable small grants to help the smaller community groups and facilities that support communities at a grassroots level.

I know that this funding is an important tool in helping these important groups and we were especially conscious that with the impact of current energy costs many groups would need additional supports to help them to continue to provide their valuable services to the people in their areas. I want to congratulate the successful projects and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities"