Meath GAA clubs and community organisations land €250k in funding for facilities upgrade

GAA clubs and community organisations in Meath have landed almost €250,000 in funding for upgrading facilities.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys today announced over €11.4 million for 264 projects under 2024 CLÁR Programme nationwide with monies for:

· Investment in Sports Clubs and Schools right across the country

· Funding for our Playgrounds, Astro-Turf Pitches, Running Tracks and Spectator Stands

· Community Centres and Local Halls to be given a new lease of life

· Development of Green Spaces, Sensory Gardens and Biodiversity Areas

The investment will support the development of sports and outdoor facilities such as playgrounds, astro-turf pitches, running tracks and spectator stands.

Community Centres and Local Halls will also be upgraded and given a new lease of life as part of the initiative.

Minister Humphreys said the investment of over €11.4 million represented one of the largest allocations under the CLÁR Programme to date.

In Meath, successful projects included: €50,000 for the upgrading of the car park at Carnaross GFC; €50,000 for the provision of additional hard stand car park spaces at Moylagh GAA Club; €50,000 for resurface of car park and hall access areas, reline car park, landscape and lighting at Newcastle Community Development; €47,786 for the upgrade of pedestrian walkway and fence replacement of the perimeter of the car park at St Brigid's GFC and Ballinacree Community Association receives €50,000 for the construction of a multi-use games area (MUGA) along with all associated site works.

Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am very pleased to announce over €11.4 million for 264 projects under my Department’s CLÁR Programme.

“The projects we are funding today are based on a bottom-up approach; Ideas and proposals that have come directly from communities on the ground.

“From playgrounds and sports facilities to sensory gardens and community halls - these projects will make a really positive difference in towns and villages throughout Rural Ireland.

“That is what we are about in the Department of Rural and Community Development – supporting our local and community groups in delivering the ambition and vision that they have for their areas.”

Cllr Reilly congratulated all the organisations involved, praising their dedication and hard work in securing this vital funding.

"This is a great day for North Meath," said Cllr Reilly. "These grants will have a positive impact on our local communities, helping to improve facilities, enhance safety, and create better spaces for everyone to enjoy. I am delighted to see such strong investment in our rural areas, and I want to thank Minister Heather Humphreys for her continued support of these communities. Well done to all the groups involved in securing these funds – their commitment is truly inspiring."

The CLÁR Programme, under the leadership of Minister Humphreys, continues to provide targeted support to rural areas, ensuring that key facilities and infrastructure are improved to meet the needs of local communities.