Twenty-two Longford projects to receive €653,453 under Community Recognition Fund 

Twenty-two Longford projects are set to benefit to the tune of €653,453 as part of the first ever Community Recognition Fund announced today. 

The major initiative €50m initiative is designed to support and reward communities that have welcomed families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.

Longford Athletics Club has received the highest allocation locally, €83,000, for external upgrade works for their new Indoor Sports Hub. 

While €76,000 will go to the Mall Sports Complex, Longford town to replace the floor of the indoor sports arena.

The details of the announcement were made during a visit to Lourdes Parish Hall on Dublin’s Sean McDermott Street by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister of State Joe O’Brien.

Longford / Westmeath Fianna Fáil Joe Flaherty welcomed the funding, and said, "The Community Recognition Fund will give Longford communities an opportunity to create a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone. This is very significant funding with €653,453 being allocated to Longford.  By investing in facilities and organisations that facilitate integration and community participation, we are building stronger communities that embrace diversity while promoting social cohesion."

Senator Micheál Carrigy also welcomed the announcement of funding for project's throughout Longford under the Community Recognition Fund. "Great work is being done by these groups so congratulations to all."

Longford projects supported by Community Recognition Fund

€83,000 - Longford Athletics Club: External upgrade works for new Indoor Sports Hub

€76,000 - Mall Sports Complex, Longford town: Replace of floor in indoor sports arena

€72,000 - Longford County Council: Communal Gig Rig (Stage)

€70,000 - Lus na Gréine, Granard: Refurbishment of a derelict space into a new community facility

€60,000 - Garvey’s Yard Community House, Longford town: Upgrade of New Community House for use by several groups and agencies 

€55,000 - Lanesboro Development Association: Upgrade of a unit donated by the ESB into a multi-purpose sports arena

€33,000 - Kenagh Development Association: Upgrade of community hall to include equipment and visual display equipment

€30,000 - Backstage Theatre, Longford town: Upgrade to external infrastructure to improve safety and accessibility

€23,900 - Ballymahon Vocational School: Purchase of equipment to allow facility to be used as a community sports hub

€21,000 - Longford & District Schoolboy / girl League: Purchase of Robotic Mower

€15,000 - Granard Tidy Towns: Installation of exercise equipment along new walkway

€15,000 - Brannigan Harbour, Ballymahon

€12,500 - Longford EDI: Purchase of industrial sewing machines to allow social enterprise to expand activities

€10,800 - Ballinamuck Village Enhancement Group: Community Garden

€9,200 - Bridgeways Centre, Ballymahon: Purchase of play equipment

€7,500 - Edgeworthstown Development Association: Playground equipment

€7,500 - Dromard Rural Development Group: Playground Equipment

€6,000 - Temperance Hall, Longford town: Internal upgrade works for an important community hub

€5,900 - Killoe Development Group: Develop a community garden

€5,000 - Longford Tidy Towns: Estate tree planting scheme

€3,000 - Maria Edgeworth Centre, Edgeworthstown: Audio visual equipment

€2,500 - Drumlish Ballinamuck Development Association: Community information board

Longford cyclists Shane Quinn and David Casserly competing in the Rás Táilteann

One of Ireland's most iconic sporting events, the Rás Táilteann Cycle Race, is taking place from this Wednesday, May 17 to Sunday, May 21, attracting International cycling teams as well as the best Irish riders.