Minister of State Peter Burke and Westmeath councillor Emily Wallace pictured at St Joseph's Parish Hall, Rochfortbridge, which, along with the Moate branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, was one of two Westmeath projects awarded community centre grant funding today.

Moate and Drum projects awarded funding from new community centres scheme

Two projects in Westmeath and seven in Roscommon have been awarded grants from the Government's new Community Centre Investment Fund.

The projects which received the financial boost today (Thursday) included the Moate branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, which meets at Teach Cheoil in the Dun na Si Amenity and Heritage Park.

Moate Comhaltas was allocated €76,810 for roof repairs, the insulation of walls, an upgrade of its heating and the installation of LED lights.

In Roscommon, Drum Community Centre, on the outskirts of Athlone, was one of the successful projects and was awarded a grant of €100,000.

In a post on social media, the centre said it was "absolutely delighted" to be awarded this funding, which would be used to upgrade its windows, floors and electrical systems.

Minister Heather Humphreys and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar this morning announced the grants for works at a total of 278 community centres nationally.

In addition to the Moate project, St Joseph's Parish Hall in Rochfortbridge was the other Westmeath funding awardee, receiving €300,000 to completely renovate and refurbish the building.

Its planed works include the replacing of all windows and doors, upgrading of toilets, kitchen, electrics and heating system, and the insulation of the entire building.

In Roscommon, along with Drum Community Centre, Roscommon Gaels GAA club was awarded a €25,000 grant, while Kilbride Community Centre, in Four Mile House was given €46,885.

The other funding recipients in Roscommon were: Elphin Community Centre (€285,019), Boyle Family Resource Centre (€100,000), Vita House Services (€38,123), and St Ronan's Hall, in Keadue (€146,210).

In East Galway, meanwhile, the Ballinasloe Town Hall was granted €251,919, while the Ballinasloe Social Services Company received €83,387.

In total, over €33 million was awarded for works at 278 Community Centres nationwide

Welcoming the Westmeath allocations, Mullingar's Minister of State Peter Burke said: "This is massive funding into rural communities in Westmeath and will support our local volunteers, children and all who use our community centres.

"It will mean the buildings are warmer, safer and can accommodate more community groups.

"Community Centres are the backbone to our rural parishes and areas and I’m glad Minister Humphreys has recognised this and created this new stream of funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development," he added.