O’Shea Welcomes €5.6 Million Investment in Community Centres Nationwide

Funding for 28 community centres across Cork – Many in Cork North West

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has welcomed the announcement of over €5.6 million in funding for small-scale upgrade and refurbishment works at 279 community centres across the country under the Government’s Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).

Importantly, 28 community centres across County Cork are among those approved for funding in this latest announcement, with many located throughout Cork North West. The grants, ranging from €1,800 to €25,000, will support a variety of improvements, including accessibility upgrades, energy efficiency measures, refurbishment works and other essential enhancements.

The funding was announced by Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD and Minister Dara Calleary TD.

Deputy O’Shea said the investment represents an important recognition of the vital role community centres play in towns and villages throughout Cork North West and across rural Ireland.

“Community centres are at the heart of so many of our towns and villages. They provide a place for people of all ages to come together, whether through sporting organisations, cultural activities, social events, voluntary groups or the many other activities that bring communities together.

“Across Cork North West, we have fantastic community organisations and volunteers who give countless hours of their time maintaining and improving local facilities. I am particularly pleased to see so many community centres across County Cork benefiting from this latest round of funding.

“These centres are often the backbone of rural communities, providing an important social outlet and helping to combat isolation, particularly among older people.

“Maintaining these facilities comes at a cost, and funding schemes such as this are hugely important in helping voluntary committees undertake necessary improvements without placing an excessive financial burden on their organisations.”

Some of the Community Centres throughout Cork North West which were funded this week.

Deputy O’Shea also highlighted that further funding will be made available under Category 2 of the scheme, which will provide grants of up to €100,000 for larger-scale improvement projects.

“I would strongly encourage community groups and management committees throughout Cork North West to start considering what improvements may be required at their facilities and to prepare for the next round of funding.

“The announcement of Category 2 funding in the coming months will provide an important opportunity for organisations with more substantial refurbishment or upgrade requirements to seek support.

“I will continue to engage with Minister Buttimer and the Department to ensure that community organisations in Cork North West are aware of these opportunities and can access the funding available to them.

“Almost €118 million has now been approved nationally under the Community Centre Investment Fund since 2022. That is a substantial investment in the facilities that help sustain community life.

“I want to see as many local organisations as possible benefit from future rounds of this funding.”

Deputy O’Shea concluded by paying tribute to the volunteers who manage and maintain community facilities throughout the constituency.

“These centres do not look after themselves. They are maintained by dedicated committees and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide facilities for their neighbours and wider communities.

“They deserve every support we can give them, and I will continue to work to secure investment that strengthens our towns, villages and rural communities across Cork North West.”