The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced a significant investment of €16.5 million on Friday, 2nd August, to fund 185 community projects nationwide under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.
This substantial funding allocation will support a wide range of initiatives, including sports facility upgrades, community centre enhancements, and the development of parks, walking trails, and playgrounds, among others.
In a major boost for County Clare, 20 projects have been awarded a total of €1.7 million. Welcoming the announcement, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan said, “These projects exemplify the diverse needs of communities and underscore the government’s commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces.”
Speaking on the announcement, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling made reference to the importance of this funding, stating that it, “Will enable communities across the county to enhance and expand their facilities, ensuring they continue to meet evolving community needs over time.”
Bernadette Haugh, Acting Director of Services in Clare County Council, emphasised the importance of this investment in enriching community life, “These projects are designed to bring communities together, making them more vibrant places to live, work in and visit.”
The projects span a broad spectrum of community needs, from upgrading local sports facilities and community centres to enhancing walking trails and playgrounds. Each project is tailored to meet the unique needs of its community, reflecting the government’s dedication to empowering local initiatives that foster community spirit and development.
The funding will not only improve local infrastructure but also enhance social cohesion by providing safe and inclusive spaces for community members to gather, interact, and engage in healthy activities.
The 20 projects which have been allocated funding in County Clare are as follows:
| Group Name | Short Description | Grant Awarded |
| Clare County Council | Refurbishment of Lahinch Playground | 165,000 |
| St Joseph’s National School Miltown Malbay | Construction of an outdoor classroom area, an outdoor exercise area, a tarmac walkway, a biodiversity sensory garden area and picnic benches. | 120,000 |
| Active Ennis, Clare County Council | Upgrade the surface of the 400m running track in Tim Smythe Park in Ennis. | 140,000 |
| Clarecastle GAA, Camogie and LGFA Club | Construct grass-running track at the GAA facility in Clarecastle | 70,000 |
| Scariff Bay Community Radio | Purchase and fit out an outside broadcast vehicle | 59,000 |
| Kilrush Town Team | Upgrading of Cappa Playground in Kilrush | 85,000 |
| Kilmaley Meitheal and Kilmaley GAA & Camogie Clubs | Tarring of walkway at GAA/Playground community facility; inclusion of wheelchair accessible bench and 3 No. Bins and other site works including steps to connect the walkway to the new overflow carpark. | 80,000 |
| Ballyvaughan Community Development Group | Install low level sports fencing and resurface the car park area at the Ballyvaughan Community Field Project | 91,000 |
| Tulla Courthouse Community Development ltd | Upgrades and maintenance to building | 70,000 |
| Wolfe Tones Na Sionna GAA Club | Refurbishment of Wolfe Tones na Sionna Community hall. | 62,000 |
| Kilballyowen Development CLG | Replacement of the existing old roof at Halla Eoin | 60,000 |
| Michael Cusacks GAA Club in conjunction with North Burren Community Group | Phase 1 of proposed new Community Building | 165,000 |
| Active Ennis | Road surfacing works at John O’Sullivan Park | 50,000 |
| Newmarket Celtic FC | Construction of public carpark at Newmarket Celtic FC | 80,000 |
| The Banner GAA Ennis | Tarmacadam of the walkway around perimeter of pitch at Banner GAA club facility. | 50,000 |
| Lisdoonvarna Fáilte CLG | Twin Wells West Landscaping Project | 125,000 |
| Ballina Killaloe Community Sports Facilities Development Company CLG | Supply and installation of 1.2m hardwearing double-beam mesh fencing and gates at Clarisford Park | 80,000 |
| St Senans RFC | Upgrading of floodlighting at St Senans RFC | 50,000 |
| Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre Ltd | Replacement of cardio gym equipment | 50,000 |
| Clare Cricket Club | Renovate clubhouse building | 50,000 |