Government funding of €4.3 million has been allocated by the Government for the construction of the long-awaited community centre in Newcastle.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, was in Galway City on Saturday morning last to confirm the news, with the money coming from a €30 million fund for new-build facilities nationwide.

A further €6 million has been allocated for a new community centre in Coillte Cill Ráinne in Maigh Cuilinn.

Speaking at the funding announcement at Croí House in Newcastle, adjacent to where the new city faciity is due to be built, Minister Humphreys said these centres would be at the heart of community life.

The Newcastle centre, for which planning permission was granted in 2019, will include meeting rooms, outdoor sports facilities and a playground.

Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton (FG), said it and the Maigh Cuilinn centre were “very necessary pieces of infrastructure”.

“It is vital that community groups have access to meeting spaces, advice, information and guidance, educational, social and leisure opportunities and I am therefore delighted to see these projects delivered for the people of Galway,” said the TD for Galway West.

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Eddie Hoare (FG), who is also a member of the Newcastle Combined Community Association which has spearheaded the community centre project, said this funding was welcome – with City Hall committed to funding the project to completion.

“Following a motion that I proposed, Galway City Council is committed to providing matched funding,” he said. He also acknowledged the contribution of former promoters and directors Bartley Joyce and Tom Kelly, who had passed away but played a pivotal role in the project.

City Councillor Mike Cubbard (Ind) said after 20 years of campaigning, locals were delighted with the news.

“It was only a small part in a big project that has seen politicians across the divide unite from local level and national level and to recognise the trojan work locally as over 20 years of hard work has gone into this project from those in the heart of the area, led by Chairman [of the NCCA], Seamus Davey, who must be congratulated,” he said.

Planning permission is also in place for the Maigh Cuilinn centre, with both projects described by the Department as being “shovel-ready”.

Following a long campaign to secure funding, Forbairt Pobail Mhaigh Cuilinn welcomed the announcement which will allow the organisation to proceed with its plans for a multi-functional sports hall, a raised retractable stage for drama and cultural events, and a business incubator hub.

Pictured: Minister Heather Humphries with Mayor of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare, at the announcement of funding.