€177,000 funding for Offaly community groups and clubs
A total of 213 community and sporting organisations in Offaly have received €177,000 in funding allocations under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), it was announced this morning.
Amounts allocated ranged from €303 up to €2,803. The funding will support a wide range of initiatives - from sports clubs and youth organisations to community halls, residents’ associations, tidy towns groups and more - showcasing the strength and heart of Offaly’s voluntary sector. Some of the groups to benefit include Offaly Traveller Movement, Rahan Men's Shed, Shinrone Women's Group and Tubber GAA.
The funding announcement has been welcomed by local TDs Tony McCormack and John Clendennen.
Welcoming the news, Deputy McCormack praised the work of local groups and volunteers: “This is a brilliant result for Offaly. Our county is built on people who give their time, energy, and commitment to their local communities. Whether it’s coaching underage teams, running local events, or maintaining community facilities, their efforts are what keep our towns and villages thriving.”
Deputy McCormack also commended the dedicated work of his council colleagues who support these organisations year-round: “I want to acknowledge the outstanding work being done across the county by my colleagues Cllr Peter Ormond, Cllr John Hennessy, Cllr Frank Moran, Cllr Declan Harvey, Cllr Claire Murray, Cllr Shane Murray and Cllr Oliver Bryant. Each of them is actively engaging with groups on the ground, offering advice, support, and encouragement to help them access funding and grow their impact. We’re all working together to strengthen communities across Offaly.”
Deputy McCormack added: “In Fianna Fáil, we believe in supporting those who support others. This programme is an investment in the people of Offaly - those who step up without being asked, who organise, who care, and who lead. It’s a testament to what community really means. This funding ensures that grassroots groups can continue their vital work, making Offaly a better place for everyone, now and into the future."
Deputy John Clendennen said: “This is fantastic news for communities across Offaly. The LEP delivers practical supports to the people and community groups that are the heartbeat of our towns and villages. Whether it’s helping a local club buy equipment, supporting a residents’ group with improvements, or funding local development projects, this funding is a direct investment and ensures value for money.”
“I want to acknowledge the great work of the volunteers and community leaders who took the time to apply and are driving these projects on the ground,” Deputy Clendennen added. “This is a national policy funding scheme, directly aimed at grassroots and supporting to the heart of community life.”
“I’ll continue working with my Fine Gael Councillor colleagues serving on Offaly County Council to ensure strong support for communities across the county at every level," he concluded.
The funding was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer.
The LEP 2025 was launched in November 2024 and the €7 million available included €1 million in current funding to support local groups with ongoing running costs.
The funding also provides capital supports for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from local authorities.
See the full list of projects below:
Moneygall Development Association €1,000
Moneygall Tidy Towns, €1,303
Moneygall Football Club CLG, €1,215
Mucklagh Community Development CLG, €2,803
Mucklagh Playground Committee, €1,000
Mucklagh Schoolboys/Girls Community Soccer Club CLG,€912
North Offaly Community Development Network CLG, €308
Offaly Africa Support Group €1,303
Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service CLG, €1,903
Offaly Pony Club €303
Offaly Scouts 2nd Offaly Scouts Group, €1,303
Offaly Scouts Tullamore 1st/10th, €1,303
Offaly Search and Recovery CLG, €303
Offaly Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, €1,303
Offaly Traveller Movement, €1,303
Offaly West Enterprise Society Ltd, €1,500
Parents First CLG Clara, €1,000
Peter Bradley Foundation T/A Acquired Brain Injury, €1,303
Pullough Tidy Towns Tullamore €620
Rahan Community Hall €2,303
Rahan Men's Shed €1,803
Rashina NS Parents Association Doon €1,000
Rath Eglish Foróige Club Birr €953
Rhode Community Preschool Ltd €1,303
Rhode Parish Enterprise €1,803
Rhode Steam and Engineering Club €1,303
Roscrea Badminton Club €1,215
Seir Kieran Community Group Clareen €2,303
Shamrocks GAA Tullamore €1,215
Shannonbridge Community Services €2,000
Shannonbridge Meals on Wheels €1,000
Shannonbridge Tidy Towns €1,000
Shannonharbour Community Association Birr €303
Shinrone Camogie Club €912
Shinrone Development DAC €2,000
Shinrone Hurling Club €912
Shinrone Parish Committee €303
Shinrone Women's Group €830
St Brendan's Primary School Parents Association Birr €1,000
St Cormac's Park Residents Association Kilcormac €1,000
St Cynoc's Terrace Residents Group Ferbane €1,000
St Manchan's Ladies Football Club Ballycumber €912
St Rynagh's Camogie Club Banagher €912
Tegan Court Residents Association Screggan €1,000
Tubber GAA Club €1,215
Tullamore Canoe Club Puttaghan €1,303