More than €600,000 has been provided to some 120 projects and community organisations in rural and urban areas of Galway, under the Government’s Community Enhancement Programme.
A total of 45 community groups and charities in the city, and 75 organisations in the county have received support under the scheme. Recipients of capital grants in the city include Ability West, Galway Autism Partnership, Galway Centre for Independent Living, Renmore Active Retirement, and the Galway Simon Community. In the county, Galway Mountain Rescue, Annaghdown Heritage Society, Oughterard Youth Club, and Coiste Páirce na bPiarsaigh in Rosmuc were among the beneficiaries.
Among the specific grants provided to community organisations in Galway city was almost €15,000 to Doughiska, Roscam and Ardaun Community Development for a range of outdoor gym equipment. Close to €30,000 was allocated to Galway Centre of Independent Living for the purchase of a disability-access vehicle, while Galway Hibernians FC was given almost €12,000 for the development of a new community facility.
In the county, close to €7,000 was provided to Forbairt Phobail Maigh Cuilinn Teo for an upgrade of facilities, while €10,580 was allocated to Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo for the development of an RV serviced station with two bays. There were also grants of €1,000 allocated to the Brothers of Charity, Club Óige na Spidéil, and Corrib Mask Search and Rescue.
The funding has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Hildegarde Naughton. “It is significant that this Government programme prioritised disadvantaged communities and rural areas with the intention that support will be focused on those areas that need it most," she said. “Relatively small amounts of money can make a big difference to groups like these, and a huge difference to the people who avail of the invaluable services and facilities they provide in communities."
