Drogheda Community Services Centre and St. Kevin's GAA Club in Phillipstown, are to receive €100,000 each from the €26.1 million 2024 Community Centre Investment Fund announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

Drogheda’s St. Nichola's GFC has also been awarded €67,728 to fund the refurbishment of their Community Clubhouse centre to include the installation of acoustic undercarriage to the 1st floor to the function rooms and new floor covering.

Making the announcement, Minister Calleary said: “The funding I am announcing today under the Community Centre Investment Fund will ensure that 369 communities across our cities, towns and villages will benefit from enhanced community facilities. This follows on from funding for over 400 facilities announced in November.

“Community Centres are the lifeblood of our communities. They play host to some of our most important occasions, in good times and in bad. Again in recent weeks we have seen the importance of these centres for their local communities as many of them became emergency hubs in the aftermath of storm Éowyn.

“The funding that my department provides under the Community Centre Investment Fund will empower these communities to continue to provide that much needed communal space.

“Projects being funded today vary greatly depending on the needs identified by the various communities; some will see the fabric of their facilities improved through roof and insulation enhancements; others will see kitchen and toilet upgrades; while others will ensure their buildings are more accessible and energy efficient.

“Whatever improvement works are being completed, we can be sure that this funding is being targeted at the heart of communities, both rural and urban, and the results of these works will see our community facilities being more sustainable, enjoyable and accessible places.”

Speaking at the announcement today, Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, said: 

“I have to commend the volunteers in each of these centres, who give up so generously of their time and skills for the good of their communities. I want to congratulate each of the successful committees receiving funding today and wish them well with their various projects.

“I welcome the Programme for Government commitment ensuring this scheme becomes a permanent rolling fund to upgrade, refurbish and build local community centres.”

Welcoming today’s announcement Louth Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan said, "I was delighted to receive confirmation from Minister Calleary that the successful community centre projects announced today will receive capital grants of up to €100,000 under category 2 of the fund.

Louth Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly said this funding will result in community facilities being more sustainable and accessible, so that they can be enjoyed by all.

“I am delighted to see funding of €663,988 for community centres in Louth. I want to thank the volunteers who work so hard to facilitate activities in our community centres.

“Community centres play an essential role in bringing our communities together. Whether its local meetings, celebrations, or classes for children or retired people, our community centres in Louth have always been a central point in every town and village for people to come together.

You can access the full list of community centres to receive funding here.