More than €870k for Cork City northside community projects

NORTHSIDE community and social groups, projects, and institutions are to receive regeneration-linked funding of €870,200.

Funding has been secured for a number of initiatives under the SEEP (Social Economic and Environmental Plan) 2024 programme by the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government.

This year’s allocation is the largest amount the northside has secured, considerably up on last year’s €491,600.

Some 24 projects have received funding under the programme, with the largest allocations going to Castleview AFC, which got €100,000 for dressing rooms; Wellness and Memory Trail, which also received €100,000; and St Vincent’s Hurling and Football Club, which received €75,000 for pitch improvements.

Other projects that received allocations include The Kabin, Let’s Grow Together, and Barnardo’s Brighter Futures.

Fianna Fáil councillor for Cork City North West Tony Fitzgerald told The Echo that it was imperative that regeneration projects be backed up with community funding.

“If you’re developing a regeneration project of building houses and moving people, it’s vital that you have the social and economic aspects of it running side by side with the construction,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“That has been the failure of previous developments right throughout the country, in the past, where they just built the houses and that was it,” he said.

“There’s been a whole economic and social plan put around the regeneration plan, which is based on a number of themes, like employment, sports, arts, and community, and local groups are invited to apply under those themes.”

Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent said it was “a good news story” for the northside.

“It’s a significant allocation, and it’s great news for the various groups and clubs that have been granted funding through SEEP.

“It’s an integral component of the regeneration of the area: I’ve always said it can’t just be about bricks and mortar, it’s about supporting the various clubs and groups who are working daily to make people’s lives and areas better,” Mr Nugent said.

The Cork City Northwest Quarter Regeneration project involves the demolition of 450 houses and the construction of 650 homes.