Minister for the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh has today announced a €466,000 grant from his Department to help build a new community centre in Falcarragh.
The Donegal TD signed off on the funding this morning and paid tribute to everyone involved in the ambition over a number of years to provide a new centre for the community.
“I am delighted to provide this grant so that a new community centre can be supplied to the people of An Fál Carrach,” said Minister McHugh.
“I want to congratulate all those involved over many years who have driven this project forward. I’m aware that the focus remains on major flooding issues today but it was important that this project was given the go-ahead today to allow the tendering process to be completed on time.
“The Falcarragh group have all done great work to ensure that such a facility, which will greatly benefit the local community, is made available.
“The development of community facilities like this gives practical support to the efforts of the Gaeltacht community to safeguard the Irish language for the next generation.
“The implementation of the language planning process, which will begin shortly in this area, means that a facility like this will be even more important.”
During his first term as Gaeltacht Minister, McHugh sanctioned €31,600 in funding towards hiring advisors for the construction of the proposed new centre.
Minister McHugh went on: “Following my decision today, Coiste Forbartha an Fháil Charraigh can now move forward to the construction of a new multi-purpose €775,000 facility.
“The new 725 square metre centre at the location of Halla Niomh Fhionáin will include a main hall with stage and seating for 400 people, a childcare centre, multi-purpose rooms and catering facilties as well as accessible toilets and changing facilities.
“I am now looking forward to seeing construction get underway soon so that the people of Falcarragh and surrounding areas will have a community centre to be proud of which will also form part of plans to expand and enhance our plans for the Irish language.”