A total of over €1.8 million will be distributed among 22 community groups in the midlands. Westmeath will receive the largest share, with

€741,000 allocated to various projects. Offaly will receive €702,000, and Laois will benefit from €385,000 in funding.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, announced a total of €16 million in Community Recognition grants for projects nationwide. These grants aim to enhance the vibrancy of towns and improve the quality of life for both tourists and residents.

Minister for Enterprise and Longford Westmeath Fine Gael TD, Peter Burke, welcomed the announcement, stating, “It’s about giving back and saying ‘thank you’ to communities for what they do week-in, week-out.”

Funding Recipients:

WESTMEATH

Mullingar – Youth Work Midlands: New dressing rooms, disability toilet, and storage unit for amenities and pitches - €130,000

Mullingar – Restoration of Ennell Community House - €100,000

Moate – Action Group: Conversion of Old Fire Station to a Community Office - €150,000

Kinnegad – Phase 2 of Kinnegad Boreen Bradach Looped Walk - €130,000

Moate – Midlands Amenity Park: New outdoor covered area - €55,000

Athlone – Enhancement of Shannon Banks Nature Trail Canal Walkway - €66,000

Athlone – Regional Sports Centre Playground refurbishment - €100,000

LAOIS

€150,000 to repair the roof of St. Mary’s Hall, Portlaoise.

€100,000 for Laois County Council to acquire land in Mountmellick for community use.

€70,000 to Ballylinan GAA for the development of a community walking track.

€65,000 to Clochar Community Centre, Rathdowney, for developing a community and event space.

OFFALY

Birr – Birr Community Development Centre CLG: Birr Leisure Centre Plant Room Upgrade - €87,000

Birr – Birr Playground: Birr Town Playground Upgrade - €80,000

Banagher – Banagher Marina Public Playground Upgrade - €50,000

Banagher – Offaly West Community Enterprise Society Limited: Crank House Roof & Energy Upgrade - €50,000

Banagher – West & South Offaly Community Network (CLG): Homefix Service Transport – Purchase of 2 vans - €50,000

Edenderry – Edenderry Golf Club: Mower Upgrade - €65,000

Geashill – Geashill Community: Basketball Court Upgrade - €60,000

Tullamore – Esker Arts: Toilet Upgrade - €70,000

Tullamore – Tullamore Harriers AC: Stadium Upgrade - €50,000

Tullamore – Connolly Park Community Playground Upgrade - €80,000

Tullamore – Tullamore Town Park Playground Upgrade - €60,000