‘Moment of real pride’ for West Sligo village
Pictured at the sod-turning ceremony for Kilglass Community Centre were, from left: Kevin Bourke, Fidelma Stars, Joanna Campion, Louise McDonnell (Chairperson, Kilglass Community Centre), Minister Marian Harkin, Eamonn Scanlon TD, Declan Hallinan, Hallquar Engineering Services Ltd; Minister Dara Calleary TD, Cllr Donal Gilroy, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council; Cllr Joe Queenan, Sinead Jones, Colin Lynott, Amanda McCloat and Caroline Gilroy. Picture: John O'Grady
It was a landmark day in the West Sligo village of Kilglass on Sunday as the local community council welcomed Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary for the official turning of the sod for the new community centre.
Kilglass Community Council was awarded €1,163,710 under the Community Centres Investment Fund through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with Sligo County Council. This funding will support the development of a new multipurpose hall serving the communities of Kilglass, Enniscrone and Culleens.
The new facility will provide a versatile space for sports, meetings and a wide range of community activities. It will also include a stage to accommodate performances such as amateur drama, children’s plays, concerts and other local events. This project represents phase two of a landmark development and will deliver much-needed infrastructure for the area.
The project also includes a 10% community contribution. Kilglass Community Council would like to sincerely thank the volunteers and members of the community who contributed their time and effort, whether through fundraising, going door to door, or supporting events. This represents the single largest investment ever made in Kilglass and will have a lasting, positive impact on the area.
The development aligns with the Social Inclusion, Poverty and Equality objectives of the Local Economic and Community Plan for County Sligo. Given the level of disadvantage in the area, this investment will play a key role in strengthening community connections, reducing isolation and supporting greater inclusion.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy, welcomed the development and described it as "a moment of real pride for the local community".
"This development reflects strong partnership between the community, Sligo County Council and the Department, and it will provide a welcoming, inclusive space that supports social, cultural and sporting life in the area for many years to come.”
Minister Calleary said the local community deserved "enormous credit for the commitment and hard work they have shown on the ground in advancing this important local initiative”.
Chairperson of Kilglass Community Council Louise McDonnell said: “This new community centre will be transformative for the area and will provide much-needed facilities that will support the community now and for decades to come. I would like to thank Minister Dara Calleary and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for their support in making this project possible.
“I would also like to acknowledge the support of Minister Frank Feighan, who was instrumental in supporting our committee and Sligo County Council for their guidance and assistance throughout the grant application process and ongoing project management.”
