Funding announced for Sligo Folk Park autism friendly sensory garden and wheelchair accessible paths

Irish Independent

5 days ago

Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding. 'Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society, so I'm delighted to see this significant funding of the 5 social enterprises in Co. Sligo.
'The purpose of this fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental, or economic objectives.'
Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. Sligo has been allocated €95,802.05 to fund the installation of wheelchair appropriate pathways throughout the park and install an autism friendly sensory garden to improve inclusivity for individuals with additional needs.
County Sligo Heritage & Genealogy Society Sligo will receive €4,853.00 for improvements of ICT equipment to provide safety and sustainability of database.
The €15,000 earmarked for Cherryswan CLG Sligo will be used to fund essential maintenance of the hall floor to ensure it is accessible for all users.
Sligo Social Services Sligo is to receive €14,869 to fund the transition to reusable dishes for a meals on wheels service which will create energy and resource efficiencies to sustain the social enterprise by reducing expenditure and to reduce the impact on the environment in the provision of the meals on wheels service.
Meanwhile, Ox Mountain Development Co. Ltd. Sligo will used the €13,775 allocated to fund the purchase of a compact oven to improve the menu to offer hot food options.
'We have all seen the invaluable work carried out by social enterprises across Sligo and I am delighted to see support for these vital organisations.
'In particular, I welcome funding for Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. throughout the community we know how hard they work, and this funding will go a long way to supporting them carry out their essential work.
'The funding announced will help encourage and sustain strong social enterprise in Co. Sligo the funding is clear evidence of Fine Gael and Minister Jerry Buttimer's commitment to supporting this important sector,' concluded Deputy Feighan.
The funding has also been welcomed by Junior Minister Marian Harkin. She commended the range and vision of the projects supported in this round of funding, noting that they reflect the innovation and commitment of local social enterprises in addressing real community needs.
She emphasised the importance of continued government investment in this sector, particularly given its strong track record of fostering social cohesion, generating local employment, and delivering services that otherwise might not be available in rural or disadvantaged areas.
She added that this investment is aligned with the goals of the 'Trading for Impact' strategy, part of Ireland's second National Social Enterprise Policy, which was launched in July 2024. This policy sets out a clear vision to cultivate and sustain a vibrant social enterprise sector through actions that build awareness, promote growth, support the green transition, strengthen national and international engagement, and enhance impact measurement.