€112,700 allocated to 66 Longford projects

Funding of over €112,700 (€112,762.52) will go towards 66 local projects under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024, as announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.

Of this funding, over €15,300 (€15,360.79) was allocated to 13 women’s groups in County Longford. Other local groups benefiting from the funding included: Ardagh Girl Guides (with funding of €464.65), Granard Active Age (with funding of €659.13), Irish Wheelchair Association (with funding of €2972.00), Longford Town Men’s Shed (with funding of €2000.00).

The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD in May 2024. Funding of €6 million was available nationally, with €1 million ring-fenced to support women’s groups.

The funding will support many small community groups and organisations, particularly in disadvantaged areas. It will focus on small capital works and improvements and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used to improve 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 Local Enhancement Programme 2024 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. In County Longford, it is administered by Longford Local Community Development Committees (LCDC), with support from Longford County Council.

Announcing the successful projects for Longford, Minister Humphreys said, “The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life. I want to congratulate the successful applicants and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities. These grants will help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls, to continue to provide their valuable services to the people in their areas.”

Longford LCDC Chairperson Cllr Seamus Butler said, “On behalf of Longford LCDC, I welcome the Department’s announcement of Local Enhancement Programme funding of over €112,000 for 66 local projects. This funding will be used by community groups and local organisations for the benefit of people and communities right across County Longford. We wish all applicants every success delivering their projects.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “Longford County Council welcomes this announcement of significant funding. We commend the time and effort our community groups invested in their applications. Their projects will greatly enhance existing facilities, as well as developing new, accessible community recreation amenities.”