A private donation of €200,000 has been made to the Gallowglass Community Centre in Milford.
The generous donation will go a considerable way towards the redevelopment of the former Reformed Presbyterian Church in the area.
The building has been partially opened since September 2023 with a variety of community events, classes and activities operating within.
Declan Meehan, manager of Milford & District Resource Centre, has welcomed the donation.
“I am delighted to announce that I have secured this very generous donation of €200,000 for the Gallowglass Community Centre and I would like to thank the donors, who wish to remain anonymous, for their investment and gift to the community in Milford, which will have a lasting legacy” Meehan said.
“Since this building has opened for public and community use five months ago, we have seen it grow from strength to strength, providing much needed community space in Milford. We have been determined not to rest on our laurels since the Reformed Presbyterian Church trusted us with their building and home of almost 200 years – ensuring that it finds a new purpose in the heart of the community.”
MDRC have secured some small grants since generously receiving the building from the Reformed Presbyterian congregation in Milford in November 2022, which has allowed it to partially open.
This donation is expected to leverage further investment through additional donations, but mainly grants to cover the cost of the building’s development into a modern, fit-for-purpose community facility in the centre of the town.
“We have secured and spent just over €31,000 since the gifting of the building to MDRC. This has been spent on a conservation plan, feasibility study and public consultation, as well as some improvement works and repairs” Meehan said.
“We also have a number of other grant applications pending and planned for the coming months. This substantial donation will allow us to carry out key repairs, including the roof, and development works to enlarge and secure additional community space in Milford.”
The announcement comes ahead of a planned public meeting, to be held by MDRC, on Monday 12th February at 7pm in the Gallowglass Community Centre.
“We’re inviting the public to come in and learn about the work we’ve done so far, and about the plans in the pipeline” Meehan said.
“This building has already made such a difference in the community with activities taking place to combat and address issues like social isolation, men and women’s health, a parent and toddlers group, and information events covering the defective concrete blocks scheme and SEAI grant funding for homeowners.
“We’re eager to ensure that the development of this building involves the community at every step of the way.”
This €200,000 is part of the almost €2 million worth of investment and grant funding Meehan has secured in the wider Milford area since 2019.
