Almost €285,000 in funding has been allocated to community groups across East Meath under this year’s Indaver Community Grants Scheme, subject to formal approval by Meath County Council.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor and member of the Indaver Community Liaison Committee, Stephen McKee, said he was pleased to have played a role in securing funding for a wide range of clubs, organisations and schools in the area.
McKee stated: ‘As a member of the Indaver Community Liaison Committee, I am delighted to have played a key role in securing almost €285,000 worth of funding for various clubs and organisations in the East Meath area.’
A number of local sports clubs are set to benefit, with St Mary’s GFC and Duleek-Bellewstown GFC sharing €85,000 for developments at their grounds. Duleek AFC will receive €40,000, while Drogheda Town FC has been awarded €18,000 towards a training area and community walkway.
McKee added: ‘I am particularly pleased to have supported our local GAA Clubs, St.Mary’s GFC and Duleek-Bellewstown GFC who between them will receive €85,000 for projects at their Club Grounds. Duleek AFC Soccer Club will receive €40,000 while Drogheda Town FC have been awarded €18,000 towards a training area and community walkway.’
Funding has also been allocated to a variety of community and cultural groups including Duleek Drama Players, Julianstown Youth Orchestra, Duleek Senior Citizens, Donore and Rossnaree Parish Community Development Group and Duleek Heritage Group.
Local schools are also set to benefit, with projects planned at Donore NS and Mounthanover NS, including upgrades to play areas.
He said: ‘Many other clubs, groups and associations in the area will also benefit from the fund this year including Duleek Drama Players, Julianstown Youth Orchestra, Duleek Senior Citizens, Donore & Rossnaree Parish Community Development Group and Duleek Heritage Group. I’m pleased to have also strongly supported funding for local schools Donore NS and Mounthanover NS where projects include the upgrade of school play areas for children.’
The Indaver Community Liaison Committee (ICLC) is a joint forum made up of representatives from the community, the developer, and the local authority, established in line with Planning Decisions.
Its role in overseeing the Carranstown Environment Projects Grant Scheme is to evaluate applications and recommend how funding should be distributed to eligible projects.
The funding comes from a levy attached to the Indaver Waste-to-Energy facility, which is distributed locally through the Community Liaison Committee.
McKee explained: ‘Under the planning conditions of Indaver, a planning levy is made to the local community for every tonne that is accepted into the Waste-to-Energy facility. The Fund is managed by the Community Liaison Committee of which I am a member and the fund is designed to provide financial assistance to local community-based clubs and voluntary organisations for the development of community projects and works in the locality.’
He acknowledged that demand for funding exceeds availability but said the scheme continues to provide vital support.
‘There is obviously a limited fund available and unfortunately not everyone can benefit this year, but I am pleased that so many local groups and organisations will benefit this year from the Scheme. They make a huge contribution to our communities. I will continue to work hard on behalf of all our local groups’ concluded McKee.
