Kildare South TD and Minister Martin Heydon has welcomed the announcement of over €160,000 in grants for community groups across Kildare under the latest allocation of the Local Enhancement Programme. Speaking following the announcement, Minister Heydon said: “This morning’s announcement by my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys will be very welcome news for the many hardworking volunteers who keep our community groups active and central to community life.”
This latest round of funding will ensure that important small scale, ground-up projects can be delivered by local communities, for local communities. This funding will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
“The Local Enhancement Programme allows for practical support to groups that are active at a grassroots level, helping them to provide the facilities and equipment required to support their communities. These grants will help community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls, to improve their facilities and continue to facilitate the provision of their valuable services to the people in their areas.”
The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, so as to improve and enhance community facilities for all.
Concluding, Minister Heydon said: “Supporting community groups and clubs is a central part of the Governments ‘Our Rural Future’ plan, which has already seen record investment into rural Ireland, including South Kildare, ensuring it is a vibrant place, full of life and activity. I will continue to fight to ensure that Kildare South remains as attractive a location as possible to live, work, and rear a family. Today’s announcement will go some way in achieving that.