Dundalk FC toilet upgrade among nine Louth projects sharing €740k in new funding

Communities across County Louth are set to benefit from over €740,000 in new funding announced as part of the Community Recognition Fund 2024. The announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD today.

The funding is part of a €17 million national package to support 212 community projects that assist areas which have welcomed new arrivals in recent years.

A total of nine Louth projects will receive support:

• St. Mary's GAA, Ardee – Installation of a drainage system: €86,955
• Louth County Council, Ardee – Installation of accessible, natural play equipment in Ardee Community Park: €100,069
• Louth Volunteer Centre (County-wide) – Purchase of a community bus: €69,995
• The Old Drogheda Society CLG, Drogheda – Enhancement works to Millmount Governor's House: €50,600
• Naomh Fionnbarra & St. Anne's GFG, Drumcar – Walking track upgrade: €97,255
• Dunleer Community Development Board, Drumcar – Heating system upgrade in Dunleer Market House: €107,207
• Dundalk Tidy Towns – Enhancement works at Dundalk Tidy Towns Demesne: €57,885
• Dundalk Football Club – Toilet upgrade at Dundalk FC: €69,261
• Louth County Council, Dundalk – Development of Muirhevnamor District Park: €101,000

In total, these projects amount to €740,227 in funding for County Louth. 

The provision of community vehicles and projects supporting the arts and culture sector are also included in today’s announcement.

Louth Fianna Fáil TD, Deputy Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the announcement from her party colleague and Minister Dara Calleary of funding for Louth and Meath under the Community Recognition Fund.

Speaking on today’s announcement Deputy McGreehan said: “I am thrilled today to hear of nearly €1.5 million in funding for projects across Louth and Meath.

“This funding will go towards 9 projects in Louth and 4 in Meath, investing in sports clubs, community centres, play spaces, trails, and parks.

“This funding will go right to the heart of our communities, delivering real benefits and enhancements to amenities across Louth and Meath.

“I’d like to thank my party colleague, Minister Dara Calleary for his hard work to deliver this funding. The 13 projects across Louth and Meath will greatly benefit from the funding allocated today.

"Fianna Fáil in government is committed to empowering communities across the country to thrive and reach their full potential.

Speaking today, Minister Calleary said:

“I am very happy to be making a further announcement under the Community Recognition Fund which will build on the 349 projects previously announced under the 2024 scheme. The announcement today will mean that over 1,450 projects have now been awarded funding under the Community Recognition Fund in just over two years.

“The Community Recognition Fund continues to support the cities, towns and villages that welcomed new arrivals to their communities in recent years. This funding has enabled communities to be more inclusive and resilient through the provision and enhancement of a range of community facilities and community spaces.”

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

“I am delighted with today’s announcement which sees a further 212 projects brought to fruition through the Community Recognition Fund.  This fund has now invested €100 million in cities, towns and villages across the country and the difference this funding has made will serve these communities well for many years to come.

Read Next: Louth County Council signs contract to deliver digital hub

“The way in which these communities welcomed new arrivals is a testament to the Irish people and that ‘meitheal’ which is still part of the fabric of our society, long may it continue.”

Minister Calleary concluded by saying:

“In line with Our Programme for Government and my Department’s policy ‘Our Rural Future’ I am committed to providing supports to our communities both urban and rural. Supports that will enable them to become inclusive, resilient and sustainable places in which to live and raise a family, to visit and to socialise.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of community groups in preparing and submitting applications under the Community Recognition Fund. Through your care and passion for your communities, real change is happening, and community infrastructure is being improved and developed like never before. Working together we are building the communities of the future.”