More than €1.2m announced for community projects in Cork 

Community projects across Cork city and county are set to receive over €1.2m in Government funding, it has been announced.

The funding, made available through the Community Recognition Fund, will see investment in a range of projects and will include upgrades and enhancements to sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds.

The funding allocations were announced by Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, whose portfolio as Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development includes special responsibility for community development and charities.

Headline allocations in Cork city include: €150,000 for the development of a Foróige youth centre and café on MacCurtain St, €120,000 for remedial building works to the South Parish Community Centre, and €83,740 for the Inishmore playground in Ballincollig.

Other allocations include: €75,000 to upgrade retractable seating in Neptune Stadium, €70,000 for a replacement roof at the Barrack St Brass Band’s premises, €54,197 for insulation and painting in the Mahon Community Centre, and €50,000 for access and disability works at The Glen Resource Centre.

In County Cork, the largest single allocation will see Youghal greenway get €110,000 for trailhead user facilities, while Mitchelstown Parish Hall is to get €80,731 for footpaths and a new roof, Fermoy town playground will get €67,307 for refurbishment works, and Clonakilty playground is to get €65,000 for the replacement of accessible equipment.

Other allocations in the county include: €60,000 for refurbishment works at Macroom FC, €55,000 for the refurbishment of Bandon playground, €50,000 for Bantry tennis courts, and €50,000 for accessibility works for the Le Chéile family resource centre in Mallow.

Further county projects to receive funding include: a €50,000 upgrade for Midleton playground, €50,000 for a roof replacement in Cobh’s Sirius Arts Centre, and €50,000 for refurbishment of equipment at Youghal Communications CLG.

Mr Buttimer said he wished to applaud the efforts of volunteers and community groups across Cork city and county.

“I want to thank them for their efforts to make their communities better places for all, and to acknowledge the pride they have in their own place,” he said.

“I have worked with Minister Dara Calleary and department officials on this latest announcement and we will continue to work together for communities up and down the country.

“I also want to acknowledge the work of the local authority officials who support communities throughout the year.

“Working together, we can build strong, vibrant spaces for all members of our communities, new and old,” Mr Buttimer added.

Welcoming the announcement, Christopher O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West, noted that some €170,000 was allocated to amenities across Clonakilty, Bantry and Bandon.

“These are community facilities that are so important to each of these respective towns,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“We know that with growing populations in our towns, families and young people in particular need outlets and activities and these facilities provide that.

“These are substantial amounts of money that will make a difference to these communities.” 

Former lord mayor of Cork and Fianna Fáil city councillor Colm Kelleher, who is based in Ballincollig, welcomed the allocation of €83,740 for the local Inishmore playground.

“It’s very welcome news, and something I’ve been working on for a long time, and I look for ward to the work Cork City Council can now do,” he said.