Seven-figure grant funding announced for Mayo clubs and sports groups

Many sports and community groups in Mayo are in line for a significant windfall as the latest round of Community Recognition Fund grants have been released.

All in all, €1,700,000 has been granted to 24 groups across the county. The highest figure was the €155,000 figure for the refurbishment of Balluhaunis Courthouse Gallery and Community Arts Space.

READ MORE: Open meeting to be called to discuss damage by roadside trees in Mayo

Other notable grants were the €114,620 put towards the Ballinrobe GAA astro-turf pitch, and the €104,050 put towards replacing an air-conditioning unit in Claremorris SPLC CLG.

Dara Calleary, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, considers this investment into local infrastructure vital.

“My focus in awarding this funding has been on making our towns and villages more vibrant places to live, work, and visit and to say thank you for all the work that our community, voluntary and sports clubs do week in and week out,” he stated.

This announcement today, and others to follow under various programs administered by my Department, will provide real support to ensure our urban and rural communities continue to flourish.”

These sentiments were echoed by Minister of State, Alan Dillon.

“These grants will ensure that our towns and villages have the facilities they deserve, whether it’s upgrading sports facilities, improving community spaces, or enhancing public amenities. I want to congratulate all the successful applicants and look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”

READ MORE: Open meeting to be called to discuss damage by roadside trees in Mayo

The full list of grants is as follows:

• Rural Irish Artists - Ballyhaunis Courthouse Gallery & Community Arts Space refurbishment: €155,000
• Ballinrobe GAA - Development of astro-turf pitch: €114,620
• Claremorris SPLC - Calorax Air-Conditioning unit replacement: €104,050
• Mayo County Council - Upgrade of play & recreation facilities at Lough Lannagh Park: €100,000
• Manulla Sporting Club - Carpark Upgrades: €89,673
• Castlebar Chamber - Castlebar Town Christmas Lights: €80,000
• Keel Sandy Banks - Tennis Courts Refurbishment - Lower Achill Community Development Group: €79,000
• Lower Achill Community Development Group - Keel Sandy Banks tennis courts refurbishment: €79,000
• St Patricks Westport GAA Club - Resurface of astro-turf pitch: €64,920
• Horror in the Barracks, Castlebar - Castlebar community stage and marquees: €60,000
• Mayo County Council - Castlebar Community Playground Cois Abhainn refurbishment: €55,000
• Ballina Stephenites - Refurbishment of clubhouse and portable floodlights: €54,570
• Saint Muredach's Trust, Ballina - Ballina St Muredachs Cathedral Restoration of the Stain Glass Window Project: €54,570
• Flow Community Project - Ballina Sensory Park: €54,570
• Killala Community Council - Community Playground Refurbishment: €54,570
• Ballina Convent Regeneration - Repair of traditional sash windows: €54,570
• Castlebar Celtic - Lighting Upgrades: €55,475
• Ballycastle/Belderrig Development Company - Ballycastle Resource Centre retrofit: €54,570
• Moneen Holdings  / Castlebar Town FC - Facility upgrades: €53,892
• Claremorris Handball Club - Facility upgrades: €50,950
• Balla Secondary School - Changing rooms upgrades: €50,000
• Breaffy GAA - Energy & sustainability works: €50,000
• Westport United - Spectator stand: €50,000
• Westport Chamber - Christmas lighting enhancement programme: €50,000
• Westport Sports Complex - Upgrade of facilities: €50,000