Four locations in Laois that welcomed refugees to share almost €265k
St Fergal's College, Rathdowney is one of the lucky recipients
FOUR areas in Laois that welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries will share more than €260,000 for new community facilities.
St Fergal’s College in Rathdowney, Ballyroan Community Development, St Abban’s AC and Clonaslee St Manman’s GAA will receive grants under the Community Recognition Fund.
The grants support community infrastructure and facilities, in recognition of the groups’ contribution in welcoming and hosting new arrivals from Ukraine and other nations.
The largest slice of the county’s €264,882 fund announced on 5 June will go to Clonaslee St Manman’s, with €84,100 for the development of a ball wall at the club.
St Fergal’s College will get €60,849 for the installation of lights, kerbs and paths along the all-weather pitch.
A total of €60,210 will go to St Abban’s AC in Crettyard for the purchase of new equipment and upgrading of existing athletics equipment.
Ballyroan Community Development CLG will receive €59,723 to develop an outdoor space with toilets and seating in the village.
Welcoming the funding, Laois TD Seán Fleming described the grants as ‘a win/win’ for both the local communities and the new arrivals.
He said: ‘I want to thank the communities who applied for this funding. They will be able now to proceed with the purchase of new equipment, developing outdoor space and seating, a new ball wall and improving lighting and walking paths in their areas.’
