GRD approves €1.2m in LEADER Grants
Pictured are LEADER Team Leader Conor Carty, GRD Executive Director Cllr Andrew Reddington, and CEO of GRD Steve Dolan
Almost €1.2m was allocated to projects by Galway Rural Development (GRD) over the Christmas period under the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme. A total of 14 projects benefited from funding amounting to €1,225,443.48 bringing the amount approved by GRD since commencing the latest programme to more than €3.4m across 45 project groups.
Among the most recent allocations were those to Burren Yoga Retreat (€200k toward new spa facilities), Kilconly GAA Club (€150k towards a new walkway and toilets), Clarinbridge Community Playground (51,854.20 toward playground improvements), and Cappataggle Community Association (€114,008.97 for community building works).
“The low allocation granted to us has been reported on previously” said CEO of GRD Steve Dolan, “but we’ve gotten on with it and our LEADER team have delivered a variety of critical approvals. For example, more than €420k toward playgrounds (including Mountbellew, New Inn, Athenry, and Headford) and more than €800k toward walkways (including Kiltormer, Caltra, Caherlistrane, and Dunmore)”.
Team Leader Conor Carty added
“We’ve also approved a variety of environmental projects from waste-water recycling at Clarenbridge GAA, to solar panels at Creggs RFC; and from energy efficiency works at Gort Town Hall, to our own Wool Co-operation project. There, we are working towards adding value to existing wool and supporting a new value-chain.”
Executive Director of GRD, Cllr Andrew Reddington, praised the breadth of projects being supported.
“The team deserve credit for ‘answering the call’ across the different Municipal Districts, and also for managing to meet the needs of communities, from development plans, to heritage and environment projects, as well as the various higher profile approvals.”
This year also marked GRD’s first Rural Regeneration Development Fund project. Currently under construction is the new €5m Glenamaddy state-of-the-art hub to include working spaces, recreation spaces, outdoor sensory area, and community meeting facilities. GRD have again thanked PJ Fahy and his team, and works there are progressing seamlessly.
