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Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘Vital' new life for West Limerick's old and derelict buildings amid €1.2 investment
Today at 04:00 Two areas in rural Limerick have received huge support as Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection, opened two transformative community projects. Formerly a parochial house, the newly transformed Tigh an Phobail in Feohanagh now serves as a fully renovated community resource centre. It will provide essential space for local services, events, and social initiatives. The €742,000 project was funded through Town and Village Renewal Scheme (€150,000), LEADER Programme (€365,486), Community Centre Investment Fund (€25,000) and additional grants and donations (€202,105) Speaking at the event, Minister Calleary said: 'Tigh an Phobail provides a space for connection, support, and opportunity for the people of Feohanagh. It's a shining example of how targeted investment and strong community collaboration can breathe new life into rural areas.' Cllr Michael Collins, Cathaoirleach of the Newcastle West Municipal District, praised the development, adding: 'It's inspiring to see what can be achieved when communities, the Council and Government work together. Tigh an Phobail has quickly become a vital part of life in this rural community.' In Askeaton, a formerly derelict site in the heart of the town has been transformed into the West Square Parklet, featuring seating areas and planting designed to enhance both community life and the town's appearance. The €521,000 project was supported by Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 (€250,000), Limerick City and County Council (€241,117), Community Climate Action Fund (€30,415). Cllr Adam Teskey, Cathaoirleach of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, welcomed the Minister and said: 'This beautiful Parklet is a thoughtful addition to Askeaton, one that respects our rich heritage while enhancing the public realm.' On his trip to the Treaty, Minister Calleary also stopped by Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre in Ballinacurra Weston, where he met with local management and attended a community event. The Centre provides a range of services including a youth centre, café, crèche, and credit union. Related topics Jasmin Griffin
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Boost for 148 Leitrim community projects as over €110,000 allocated to help with running costs
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, have) announced the successful projects under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025. The funding aims to provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. The funding will support local groups with ongoing running costs. Cathaoirleach of Leitirm County Council Councillor Paddy O'Rourke said the funding will greatly benefit the groups across the county. 'I would like to thank the Minister and the Dept of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht for this significant funding allocation of more than €110,000 towards 148 community projects across County Leitrim through the Local Enhancement Programme 2025. "I would also like to warmly congratulate all of the community groups that were successful in securing funding and to thank them for the vital work that they continue to do,' said Cllr O'Rourke. Chief Executive of Leitrim of County Council, Joseph Gilhooly also welcomed the funding. "I welcome this allocation of funding to the county by the Dept .of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht. "This funding will provide much needed financial support to 148 community projects throughout the County. "Community groups are both key contributors and a valued partner in developing our county and enriching the social fabric and the lives of those who live within our county,' said Mr Gilhooly. The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 was launched in November 2024. The funding provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas and also current funding to support local groups with ongoing running costs. The Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht's Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered by the Leitrim Local Community Development Committees, with support from Leitrim County Council.
RTÉ News
18-06-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Naas named Ireland's Best Kept Town in countrywide competition
Naas in Co Kildare has been named Ireland's Best Kept Town, in a competition that spanned the breadth of the country. The town beat out competition from Carrigaline, Co Cork, Buncrana, Co Donegal and Derry, and received their award at a ceremony in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Now in its 30th year, Ireland's Best Kept Town is a countrywide competition that evaluates the cleanliness and presentation of towns, including public facilities, the outward appearance of roads and buildings and the quality of local wildlife. Each year, the winners of the SuperValu TidyTowns competition compete against their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Amenity Council's Best Kept competition. Naas also took home the gong in the Large Urban Centre category. The town is enjoying a good news week it seems, as it was also named the cleanest town in Ireland by the Irish Business Against Litter association, a title it has won three times since 2020. Buncrana in Co Donegal was named Ireland's Best Kept Large Town, which comes after being named Donegal's tidiest town in 2024 for the third successive year. Both Rush, Co Dublin, and Comber, Co Down were nominated in that category. Donaghmore, Co Tyrone was crowned the winner of Ireland's Best Kept Village category, beating out competition from Eyeries, Co Cork, and Riverstown, Co Sligo. Royal Hillsborough, Co Down was named the winner of Ireland's Best Kept Small Town category, coming out on top against fellow nominees Carlingford, Co Louth, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, and Randalstown, Co Antrim. Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, congratulated the winners of 2025 Competition, saying: "Now in its 30th year, Ireland's Best Kept Town Competition recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, both in Ireland and Northern Ireland". He added: "Investment in our communities through this wonderful competition reaps long-term rewards for all, as showcased by the winning groups here today. It is testament to how local volunteers take ownership of their local area and work to improve them, for now and into the future. "Being nominated for these awards is an achievement in itself. It is a recognition of the efforts made by volunteers and local communities in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and the Best Kept competition in Northern Ireland."
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Spending pretty penny to upgrade Oriel Park toilets
Local public representatives have welcomed the funding which was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD as part of €17 million national package to support 212 community projects that assist areas which have welcomed new arrivals in recent years. Louth County Council has received €101,000 for the development of the Muirhevnamor District Park and €100,069 for the installation of accessible, natural play equipment in Ardee Community Park. Dundalk Football Club have received €69,261 for the upgrade of toilets at Oriel Park while St. Mary's GAA, Ardee have been allocated €86,955 for a drainage system. Naomh Fionnbarra and St. Anne's GFG, Drumcar have received €97,255 to upgrade their walking track. The Louth Volunteer Centre has bee given €69,995 to purchase a community bus. The Old Drogheda Society CLG have been allocated €50,600 for enhancement works to Millmount Governor's House and the Dunleer Community Development Board have received €107,207 to upgrade the heating system in Dunleer Market House. Dundalk Tidy Towns will be carrying out enhancement works at the Demesne thanks to a €57,885 allocation. The funding was welcomed by Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly who said it 'highlights the government's commitment to support local communities to be more inclusive and resilient.' 'I am delighted to see this funding for nine projects in Louth as part of the Community Recognition Fund. This funding has enabled communities to be more inclusive by improving community facilities and community spaces. This funding will enable our communities to become more inclusive, resilient and sustainable places in which to live and raise a family, to visit and to socialise'. 'Across Louth there will be major investment supporting a diverse range of projects. Overall, across Ireland we'll see over €17 million to deliver 212 community projects. 'I want to congratulate the community groups who have been the driving force behind the successful applications and look forward to seeing the completed projects.' 'This funding will go right to the heart of our communities, delivering real benefits and enhancements to amenities across Louth and Meath,' said Fianna Fail TD Erin McGreehan.
Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Revealed: The number of XL Bullies surrendered in Tipperary since ban introduced
The ban on the dogs was brought in amid fears for public safety after the death of Limerick woman Nicole Morey who was mauled to death by her two XL Bully dogs last June, one of a number of serious dog attacks by the breed. The ban was brought in over two stages to give XL Bully type dog owners who wished to keep their dog, the time to obtain a certificate of exemption. So far, up to 1,800 applications for certificates of exemptions have been made nationwide, with almost 1,000 granted. The ban also offered the owners of XL Bully type dogs the option of surrendering them to their local authority. In Tipperary, up to the end of March, just two dogs have been surrendered to Tipperary County Council. Figures released to the Dáil by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary showed that 48 dogs had been surrendered so far since the ban was introduced. The Minister said that the ban came in the 'interest of public safety'. "Members of the public must comply with the regulations. Any owner found to be in breach of the regulations will have committed an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. "Responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations rests with the individual local authorities, who are empowered to seize XL Bully type dogs where necessary under the relevant statutory provisions,' Minister Calleary said. The area which saw the largest number of XL Bullies surrendered was Dublin, with 11, followed by Limerick (10) and Cork City with four.
