Community Projects in North Cork Secure LEADER Funding for Major Developments

The inaugural meeting of the IRD Duhallow North Cork LAG was held on the 18th of November 2024 in the James O’Keeffe Memorial Institute. Two community projects were presented to the LAG and both were successfully awarded LEADER funding for their respective projects.

Bweeng Community Hall & Grounds CLG, successfully applied for LEADER support under the theme of Rural Infrastructure to undertake phase 2 of a capital project and were awarded €100,000 in grant aid. This support will ensure necessary groundworks are undertaken to put in place an all-weather 200 metre sports track in the community grounds at Bweeng Community Centre. As all-weather track facilities are extremely scarce in rural Ireland, this facility will greatly enhance the scope for athletics training in the Duhallow region. Locally, Bweeng Trail Blazers Athletic Club provide a platform for people to train and race at all levels. They have a membership of both adults and juveniles and this facility. As well as catering for the village itself and the local community in Bweeng, this facility has the potential to serve the wider catchment area which is experiencing population growth and associated growing demand for recreational facilities.

Knocknagree Community Development Group CLG was successful in their application for LEADER funding under the theme of Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion. A community project of €33,599 approved by the LAG. This will enable the acquisition of a number of items for the community centre, including a retractable stage to facilitate cultural performances if required. Knocknagree community centre is currently in the process of being redeveloped and refurbished. It is a multiuse, cross functional facility and the additional items funded through the LEADER Programme will support a wider range of activities in the centre.

We would like to congratulate both community groups who are now in receipt of their project contracts. We look forward to seeing a continuation of the LEADER Programme supporting the building of strong, resilient and inclusive communities in the Duhallow area.

Representatives from Knockagree Community Development CLG; Noreen McSweeney, Mairead O’Sullivan and Norita Casey at the signing of the LEADER contract for Knocknagree Hall with members of the IRD Duhallow North Cork Lag with CEO Maura Walsh & Assistant CEO Eileen Linehan.

Members of the IRD Duhallow North Cork Lag with CEO Maura Walsh & Assistant CEO Eileen Linehan at the LEADER contract signing of Bweeng All Weather Track. Representatives from Bweeng Community Hall & Grounds CLG include Aidan Crowley, Michelle Geaney & Deirdre and Donal Collins.