I welcome the allocation of funding for 9 community groups throughout #Cavan and 11 in #Monaghan under the government’s Community Centres Investment Fund.

The funding will see improvements to community centres, GAA clubs, parish halls, youth centres, youth hubs, Family Resource Centres, men’s sheds and other facilities used by our elderly.

Examples of some of the types of work being supported include:

Extensions to existing community centres

The provision of meeting rooms, offices, counselling rooms and family rooms

Energy Retrofitting/upgrades to Heating Systems

Works to develop community centres as social hubs through the development of community cinemas, youth hubs and community libraries

Works to upgrade kitchen facilities to enhance the delivery of Meals on Wheels

Upgrades to lighting systems and stage areas

Safety Upgrades

Essentials maintenance works, repairs to roof, re-wiring,etc

Works to upgrade toilet facilities

Works to improve disability access

Replacement of windows and doors

Installation of electric vehicle charging points

I compliment each group on submitting successful applications and wish them every success with their work.

I was glad to work alongside some of the groups in preparing their detailed applications. Like all aspects of life covid impacted on the use of community facilities and activities had to be cancelled for prolonged periods cutting off an essential funding stream to meet ongoing costs in running local community centres. This government funding is also a recognition of the additional costs facing community groups in providing many important and worthwhile recreation and sporting facilities for people of all age groups. Government funding is extremely important in supporting such valuable work in every community throughout the country. This government since July 2020, through substantial funding and the introduction of a number of new initiatives has clearly demonstrated its support for community and voluntary work.