Refurbishment works were completed at the facility with a LEADER grant of €328,309, the largest grant made under the current programme.
Works included renovations and energy upgrades to improve energy efficiency with the intention of making the Centre carbon neutral. The new facility will also provide remote working and training opportunities with the addition of five adaptable workstations in addition to improved accessibility to ensure all members of the community can benefit.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins was joined by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin and Minister Michael McGrath TD to launch the refurbished centre on Saturday 26 November.
-- Advertisement --
Speaking at the event, Cllr Collins commented: "Community Centres provide a hub for communities for a vast array of social, recreational, educational and sporting activities. This project epitomises the role of LEADER in improving the daily lives of people in rural areas. Working closely with Local Development Companies and the LCDCs, Ringaskiddy demonstrates an excellent collaborative approach to the development of a LEADER project, with a strong community vision. It's heartening to see the results of these collaborative efforts coming to fruition."
SECAD Partnership CLG is the Implementing Partner for the LEADER Programme in this area and working in partnership with Cork County Council's South Cork LCDC (Local Community Development Committee) assisted the community in delivering the project on the ground which had an overall total cost of almost €438k.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: "This project is another great example of the role of LEADER improving the daily lives of everyone in rural areas. Working closely with Local Development Companies and the LCDCs, Cork County has supported a total of 320 projects to date across Cork County under the 2014-2022 LEADER Programme. Projects like this highlights Cork County Council's continuing commitment & support to rural development."
