Clendennen welcomes investment in Offaly community facilities

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, has welcomed €145,426 in funding for seven community facilities across the county.

The successful Offaly projects include Birr Leisure Centre, which has been allocated €24,058 for flooring and toilet upgrades, and Dunkerrin Community Centre, which will receive €21,947 for refurbishment works, including improvements to its kitchen and building exterior.

Killeigh Community Centre has secured €23,894 for energy upgrades and interior painting, while Kinnitty Community Centre will benefit from €21,171 for energy improvements and refurbishment works.

Mucklagh Community Centre has been awarded €16,982 for a portable stage, screen and sound system, Rhode Community Centre will receive €23,748 for exterior painting, and Tullamore Community and Family Resource Centre has secured €13,626 for improvement works, including cleaning and painting.

The funding was announced by Minister of State Jerry Buttimer and Minister Dara Calleary under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2026, as part of a nationwide allocation of over €5.6 million to support improvement and refurbishment works at 279 community centres.

Congratulating the successful applicants, Deputy Clendennen paid tribute to the volunteers and community organisations responsible for maintaining and developing these facilities.

“I want to sincerely congratulate each of the seven successful groups on securing this funding and acknowledge the tremendous work they undertake throughout the year.

“Community centres are so much more than bricks and mortar. They are at the heart of our towns and villages, providing welcoming social spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, build friendships, participate in activities and feel part of their community.

“Whether it’s a local meeting, a sporting activity, a cultural event or simply an opportunity for people to enjoy one another’s company, these facilities play an enormously important role in tackling social isolation and strengthening community spirit.

“We are exceptionally fortunate across Offaly to have dedicated volunteers and community organisations who give so generously of their time to maintain and develop these facilities," Deputy Clendennen said.

He also emphasised the importance of continued investment in existing community infrastructure.

“While we rightly focus on delivering new infrastructure, we must never underestimate the importance of maintaining and improving the community facilities we already have.

“This investment will support practical improvements that will make a real difference to the organisations operating these centres and, ultimately, to the people who use them," the Deputy added.