Two clubs in Kildare get over €100k in funding

Two projects in South Kildare were successful in the latest round of the Community Recognition Fund.

The two successful projects are:

Kildare Town AFC – €54,120 – Refurbishment of changing rooms

Newbridge Town AFC – €54,586 – Refurbishment of showers/changing rooms.

Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has welcomed confirmation from his colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Speaking following the announcement, Minister Heydon said “the Community Recognition Fund was established with the intention of supporting the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of entire communities, recognising the significant contribution that has been, and continues to be, made by communities across the county in extending their hospitality to those fleeing war from Ukraine and other countries.

“Both of these Kildare sports clubs have been proactive in their response to assisting new residents and this funding will be a boost to their development plans and enhance the facilities of the clubs for all of their members.

“This funding towards local groups is in recognition of the vital role that a thriving community plays in overcoming the collective challenges from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and is in addition to the €264,000 from the same fund that was allocated towards the purchase of the disused Christian brothers’ school in Athy last year.

“The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants (‘new arrivals’). The fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community."

Minister Heydon added: “This funding, in its essence, is about giving back and saying ‘thank you’ to communities for what they do week-in, week-out. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on the ground in communities across Kildare.”

Senator Fiona OLoughlin has welcomed the news from her colleague Minister Dara Calleary of  the allocation of Community recognition funding to Newbridge Town Football Club of  €54,586 to refurbish their toilet and shower facilities, and the allocation of  €54,120 to Kildare Town AFC which will be used to refurbish their changing rooms and toilets. The Community Recognition fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by Communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Newbridge Town football club and Kildare Town AFC have made supreme efforts in integrating new members of our Communities. To further support communities, a further  phase of funding is open for applications until February 28^th (which is done through Kildare Co. Council).

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