The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins has extended congratulations to communities in Castlelyons and Whiddy Island on the opening of their Community Centres which benefited from the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme.
A grant of €243,951 was allocated to Whiddy Island Development Association for the construction of a new Community Centre on the island. The new facility consists of a multipurpose hall, toilets, showers, kitchenette and a community tearoom with an outside seating area, as well as landscaping, car parking and solar panels for the provision of hot water.
In Castlelyons, the Community Centre received LEADER funding of € 179,481 to renovate the community hall. Built in 1971, the original hall required substantial upgrades including insulation, improvements to disability access and health and safety upgrades. Works also included the installation of LED lighting around the stage, a sound gantry and a new meeting room.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins commented:
“Community Centres provide a hub for communities for a vast array of social, recreational, educational and sporting activities. Both of these projects epitomise the role of LEADER in improving the daily lives of people in rural areas. Working closely with Local Development Companies and the LCDCs, Whiddy Island Development Association demonstrates an excellent collaborative approach to the development of a LEADER project, with a strong community vision. While in Castlelyons, the refurbishment of their Community Hall shows the dedication and community spirit of the local area and the co-operative approach taken to fundraising and working with the LCDC and Cork County Council. It’s heartening to see the results of these collaborative efforts coming to fruition.”
