The National Office for Community Safety is hosting an information webinar in relation to the Community Safety Fund next Wednesday, 16th April. Any queries about the webinar, or the Fund, should be directed to the National Office for Community Safety, email address is Info@communitysafety.ie

More information HERE

Further information and a link to register for the webinar can be found on the Community Safety page linked here.

Applications are now open for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards 2024 which are an annual initiative to acknowledge the commitment of individuals and groups who participate in community and voluntary activities in County Galway and to recognise the significant impact their actions have on quality of life in their communities.   The Awards are a joint venture between Galway County Council and the Public Participation Network, which has over 1,300 Member Groups carrying out a range of community and voluntary activities across the County.

Nominations can be made by Individual members of the public or through community groups and voluntary organisations, by e-mailing a completed Nomination Form to awards@galwaycoco.ie before the closing date of Tuesday 16^th April 2024.  

The winners of each Award Category will be announced by the Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Liam Carroll, at the Mayoral Charity Ball on Thursday 16^th May 2024.   Each Winner will receive a specially commissioned hand-crafted Award and Certificate with a cash prize of €500 towards their work.

Cathaoirleach Awards 2024

Cathaoirleach Awards 2024 – Nomination Form

Ainmniúcháin oscailte do Ghradaim an Chathaoirligh 2024

Tá iarratais ar oscailt anois do Ghradaim an Chathaoirligh 2024 ar tionscnamh bliantúil iad chun aitheantas a thabhairt do thiomantas daoine aonair agus grúpaí a ghlacann páirt i ngníomhaíochtaí pobail agus deonacha i gContae na Gaillimhe agus chun aitheantas a thabhairt don tionchar suntasach a bhíonn ag a ngníomhartha ar saol an phobail. Is comhfhiontar iad na Gradaim idir Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe agus an Líonra Rannpháirtíochta Poiblí, a bhfuil os cionn 1,300 Ballghrúpa i mbun raon gníomhaíochtaí pobail agus deonacha ar fud an Chontae.

Is féidir le baill aonair den phobal nó trí ghrúpaí pobail agus eagraíochtaí deonacha ainmniúcháin a dhéanamh, trí Fhoirm Ainmniúcháin chomhlánaithe a sheoladh ar ríomhphost chuig awards@galwaycoco.ie  roimh an dáta deiridh Dé Máirt 16 Aibreán 2024.

Fógróidh an Cathaoirleach, An Comh. Liam Carroll, buaiteoirí gach Catagóire ag Ball Carthanachta an Mhéara ar an Déardaoin 16ú Bealtaine 2024.   Gheobhaidh gach Buaiteoir Gradam agus Teastas lámhcheirde coimisiúnaithe go speisialta mar aon le duais airgid de €500 i dtreo a gcuid oibre.

Cathaoirleach Awards 2024

Cathaoirleach Awards 2024 – Nomination Form

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/106e1-ministers-humphreys-and-obrien-announce-6-million-department-of-rural-community-development-local-enhancement-programme-2024/

Wednesday, 6^th December 2023

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien announce new €6 million “Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2024”

• New €6 million capital fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country
• €1 million ring-fenced funding to support Women’s Groups
• Local Enhancement Programme to focus on disadvantaged areas
• Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have today (Wednesday, 6^th December 2023) announced €6 million in capital funding under the “Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2024”.

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.

There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.

The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, so as to improve and enhance community facilities for all.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“This funding is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life.

“These grants may be small in nature. But I know they will go a long way in helping thousands of great community organisations and clubs the length and breadth of Ireland.

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future. The funding I am announcing today will benefit every single county and ensure that important small scale, ground-up projects can be delivered by local communities for local communities.

“I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) that administers the fund in their area.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“I am delighted to also to announce that I have reserved €1 million of this fund for Women’s Groups.

“This is in recognition of the fact that there is a growing number of Women’s Sheds, groups and networks across the country. So my message today is if you are part of a Women’s Group, please get in touch with your Local Community Development Committee in your area and apply for this funding.”

Also announcing the funding today, Minister O’Brien said:

“The funding will provide really practical support to smaller community groups that are active at a grassroots level to help them to ensure they have the facilities and equipment they need to support their communities.

“These grants will help thousands of 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.

“I am particularly happy to have reserved funding for Women’s Sheds, groups and networks. Many of these groups are providing essential services on a day to day basis to those most in need. I hope this funding will help to support the provision of safe warm spaces for those groups to continue to meet and support their communities in both rural and urban areas right across the country.”

Funding for each Local Authority area

ENDS

Notes:

• The funding has been allocated by providing a baseline amount to each area and allocating the remainder based on the population and disadvantage level in each local authority area.
• The funding is administered on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. Applications for funding can be made to the relevant LCDC. Contact details for LCDCs are available here.

Information below on the Public Information portal  for the Amenity Park Development at Pollboy Landfill, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

Galway County Council have drafted the Initial Amenity Development Plan and invites public input on the project.

The redevelopment of Pollboy Landfill aims to create an attractive outdoor recreational amenity, integrating the following themes within the park:

Amenity and Recreation

Biodiversity and Heritage

Health and Well-being

Educational and Sustainable Practices.

This development is intended to serve as a local and regional attraction, offering a wide range of amenities suitable for people of all ages and abilities, as well as local communities and interest groups.

You may view  project content and “Have your Say” by linking onto our web portal at https://consult.galway.ie/en/consultation/amenity-park-pollboy#/

The period for feedback runs until December 15^th

Image of site below and link to image here: 7043-300_Pollboy_Masterplan-Public Consultation

PPN September 2023 Newsletter

Please see below our January 2023 Newsletter.

The PPN Newsletter, as always, is packed with info on events, funding and other news for community groups.

If you would  like to include your news in the next Newsletter, please email  mmullen@galwaycoco.ie

PPN January Newsletter 2023

Wednesday, 14^th December 2022

• Largest ever investment under Town and Village Renewal Scheme
• Former Banks, Ballrooms, Courthouses, Convents, Cinemas, Garda Stations and FCA Halls to be regenerated for community use
• Public Plazas, Town Parks, Playgrounds, Community Gardens and Dog Parks to be developed
• Local Shops and Businesses in 26 towns to have their shopfronts and building facades enhanced under Streetscapes Enhancement Initiative

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (14^th December 2022) announced over €27 million in funding that will combat dereliction and breathe new life into rural towns and villages.

The announcement represents the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and will see a range of landmark projects delivered across Rural Ireland.

The major package announced by Minister Humphreys today comprises 4 Strands:

• €17 million investment in 75 Town and Village Projects nationwide;
• €6 million in funding to purchase and re-develop vacant and derelict buildings and convert them into community facilities;
• €2.6 million to upgrade the shopfronts and building facades in 26 towns under the Streetscape Enhancement Measure;
• €1.56 million for planning and design works on a range of projects that are at an early stage of development.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys:

“I am delighted to announce a record €27 million in funding under my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“This is all about tackling the scourge of vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages.

“It’s about taking old buildings and giving them a new lease of life.

“And it’s about rejuvenating the centre of our towns by developing public plazas, town parks, community gardens and sports facilities for the benefit of local families.

“This investment today will breathe new life into rural towns and villages across every single county.

“It’s the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and demonstrates my passion and ambition for our rural communities.”

Among the 75 projects that received €17 million in funding under the standard Town and Village Renewal Scheme are:

• Robertstown, Co. Kildare: The development of a recreational facility which will include an eco-park, green playground, integrated green skate park, car park, dog park, playing pitches and an outdoor Amphitheatre at the centre – €500,000.
• Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim: To create a significant vibrant Town Centre community venue “The Market Yard” to host community and charity events including festivals, fun days as well as creating a Town Centre Tourist Kiosk and Café – €435,013.
• Causeway, Co. Kerry: Refurbishment of the former Shannon Ballroom (currently derelict) creating a facility within Causeway, which provides a focal point for the community that will be used as a meeting space and co-working hub – €250,000.
• Longford Town, Co. Longford: The development of a ‘Skate and Recreational Park’ within Longford Town along proposed future town cycleway and within immediate vicinity to the existing Royal Canal Greenway – €405,000.
• Duncannon, Co. Wexford: To restore and develop the historic Duncannon Fort – €500,000.
• Herbertstown, Co. Limerick: To renovate and re-purpose the former co-op building to develop it as a multi-use community space (indoor and outdoor). The investment will deliver a Community café, Men’s Shed, remote working hub, enterprise hub and community garden – €495,229.
• Arigna, Co. Roscommon: A three phase development to include a public sports park, a pedestrian plaza and ancillary works to put the heart back into this historical village of Arigna – €499,950.
• Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow: Public realm improvements scheme for the enhancement of the River Barrow. This includes a coffee dock, bench seating, covered canopy, green trellis overhangs, planter climber walls and decorative paving​- €500,000.
• Stepaside, Co. Dublin: The project proposes to enhance the public realm and streetscapes of Stepaside village, including the provision of a central green space – €225,000.
• Convoy, Co. Donegal: ​The development of the ‘Railway Park’ along the former and now disused railway line in Convoy providing a much needed inclusive green space and recreational amenity in the centre of the village – €435,204.
• Moate, Co. Westmeath: Bringing the old Fire Station in the town centre, which has laid vacant for many years, back into use as a multi-purpose space for community use by the Moate Action Group – €112,500.
• Ballina, Co. Tipperary: Provision of an access promenade and viewing area across the river Shannon, to drive tourist and local footfall activity – €360,000.

Building Acquisition Measure (BAM)

Minister Humphreys also today announced 29 projects that will benefit from funding under the Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Under the initiative, local authorities were asked by the department to engage with the local community to identify suitable vacant or derelict properties that could be taken into public ownership and converted for community use.

Among the 29 projects to be funded under the €6 million Building Acquisition Measure are:

• Rathkeale, Co. Limerick: Convert the former Bank of Ireland Building into an e-Hub and multi-purpose community facility.
• Mitchelstown, Co. Cork: Convert of the FCA Hall on the grounds of the old Military Barracks into a multi-purpose sports and community venue.
• Moyvane, Co. Kerry: Convert a former garda station into a multi-purpose hub.
• Kilrush, Co, Clare: Purchase the former Mars Cinema and Ballroom and convert it into an educational training facility.
• Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Convert a former Bank of Ireland building for use as a co-working enterprise hub.
• New Ross, Co. Wexford: Convert the former courthouse as a multi-use community building.
• Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary: Purchase of a garden centre for tourism accommodation, together with cultural, recreational, commercial and retail uses.
• Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan: Purchase of the Convent School building for use as a social enterprise hub.

Minister Humphreys continued:

“We are all familiar with that old building in the community that has acted as an eyesore for far too long.

“This particular initiative, the Building Acquisition Measure, is about providing our local authorities with the necessary resources to tackle the scourge of vacancy and dereliction.

“This funding will see former garda stations, convents, old cinemas and banks taken into public ownership and converted for the good of the local community.

“This scheme goes to the heart of our rural development policy ‘Our Rural Future’ – breathing new life into towns and villages and making them better places to live, work and raise a family.”

Streetscape Enhancement Initiative

Minister Humphreys has also today given the green light for works to take place in 26 towns under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative.

This scheme will see funding of up to €100,000 provided to one town per local authority.

Under the initiative, retailers and property owners will be provided with grants that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

The Towns being supported under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative are:

Project Development Measure

Minister Humphreys also announced a further €1.56 million to fund 33 projects that are pre-development stage. This funding will support feasibility, planning and design works.

Examples of these projects include:

• Ballyroan, Co. Laois: Feasibility study to determine the potential future uses of the vacant/derelict former old boys school in Ballyroan village – €50,000.
• Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim: Feasibility study and preliminary design and planning for the courthouse building in Manorhamilton, with a view to bringing back into use as a community facility – €50,000.
• Moneygall, Co. Offaly: Architect led design team to deliver a detailed design proposal and planning permission for refurbishment of a derelict property into a multi-purpose community space/hub – €50,000.
• Strandhill, Co. Sligo: Design team to develop masterplan for Dolly’s Cottage, a tourist attraction, including site survey, conservation architect, structural engineer, planning design – €49,999.50.
• Tramore, Co. Waterford: Feasibility study for the development plan of a multi-cultural centre, including review of properties and potential locations for the centre, funding model to acquire the building, and scope initial development works required – €49,500.
• Carnew, Co Wicklow: To do design, cost and planning for the refurbishment of the old Bank of Ireland building (BAM purchase) to become a remote working hub – €49,999.50.

The Minister concluded:

“Today I am giving the green light for works to commence in the 26 towns selected under the Streetscapes Enhancement Initiative.

“From Bagenalstown to Ballinlough, this initiative will provide retailers and property owners with grants that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

“This is a new initiative that I introduced as part of Our Rural Future. The response has been hugely positive to date and I look forward to seeing works commence in these 26 towns.

“Finally I am delighted to sanction €1.56 million for pre-development work on 33 projects to help with the costs of developing these applications so that they are shovel ready for future funding calls.”

A full list of the projects supported under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is available here

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie