Latest news with #DepartmentofRuralandCommunityDevelopment
Irish Independent
31-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Good news for Cork book lovers in three key towns as library open hours expand to year-round service
The My Open Library service enables registered users to access a library from 8 am to 10 pm, 365 days a year, even when it's not staffed. The service was already available at Bandon and Fermoy libraries and Cork County Council has now rolled it out to three more locations with plans to add Mallow later in the year. Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Cork County Council, the My Open Library installation at Carrigaline, Kinsale, and Mallow Libraries has generated a 145% increase in the number of available service hours to the community at each location, rising from 40 hours to 98 hours per week. Speaking at the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities and with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, said: 'It is fantastic to see that the service is currently available in 23 of our 30 library authorities and I must praise our library authorities and library staff for being so progressive in meeting the needs of their communities. Our public libraries are a home-from-home for our elderly, our young people, and our new communities and now they will be able to avail of those services every day of the year, from morning till night.' Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said: "The expansion is a strategic ambition for Cork County Council's Library & Arts Service which aims to improve access, use and visibility of the library as a community hub, and as a focal point for community and cultural development. The success of My Open Library is in the flexibility that it offers communities to visit their local library at a time that works for them. More than 50,000 visits have been made to Bandon and Fermoy libraries outside of regular library opening hours since 2022 with increased usage by students, remote workers, families, older adults and community groups.' The launch of the My Open Library service coincided with the opening of the newly refurbished Carrigaline Library. The upgrades include a young adult zone with relaxed seating, a remodelled children's area with more books and children's worktables for homework, crafts and games, and comfortable seating in the windows for reading and watching the world go by. The multifunction community meeting room can be booked for use during the day and in the evening during My Open Library hours. Bike racks have also been installed outside to facilitate sustainable travel. 'Libraries are at the heart of our towns and villages, providing so much more than books,' Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said, adding: 'They are community hubs and safe spaces to study, learn and work. The newly refurbished Carrigaline Library is a bright, welcoming, modern, high-tech space that has a place for everyone." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Number of community projects in Leitrim officially opened during Minister visit
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Minister Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural Community Development visited a number of locations throughout County Leitrim, to perform official openings, a sod turning and visit a number of other projects funded by his Department in recent years. As part of his visit to the County, Minister Calleary, performed the official opening of a number of projects, notably; the Mohill Public Realm works; The Market Yard in Carrick on Shannon; The Leitrim Village Diversity and Inclusion Project, including astro turf pitch, community gym, street furniture and bus shelter, Drumshanbo Mayflower Community Centre - Basketball and Volleyball Facilities and Drumshanbo Athletic Club Training facilities before concluding his visit by carrying out the official opening of the new state of the art Dromahair Library. Welcoming Minister Calleary to the County Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, said the funding allocated to Leitrim by the Department of Rural and Community Development has been instrumental in improving the infrastructure and facilities in this county. "It is our pleasure to have Minister Calleary in County Leitrim so that he can see, first hand, how the funding allocated to a rural county such as Leitrim can make such a significant difference to the people who live in our communities. "I hope that the Minister and his Department will continue to support projects in County Leitrim, similar in nature to those we have seen today, for many more years to come,' said Cllr O'Rourke. Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, Mr Joseph Gilhooly welcomed Minister Calleary to the County by stating the funding awarded by the Department of Rural and Community Development has been of significant importance to this county. "It has enabled Leitrim County Council to work in close collaboration with communities right across the county to develop and enhance the public realm in a number of our towns, enhance amenities and facilities that will add vibrancy to Leitrim and enable innovative, sustainable and responsive solutions for all our people and communities, making Leitrim the best place to live, work, do business, and visit,' said Mr Gilhooly. While in Drumshanbo, Minister Calleary also performed the official sod turning for the Development of a recreational trail along a disused Narrow-Gauge Railway. Over the past five years, through projects lead by Leitrim County Council, the county has received funding of over €40 million through funding streams run by the Department of Rural and Community Development such as Community Recognition Fund, Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Clár, Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme and Town & Village Renewal. This funding has been of paramount importance in developing and enhancing the public realm and providing amenities and community facilities across Leitrim. On what was a busy day in Leitrim for Minister Calleary, while in the county he also viewed projects funded by his Department that are currently in under way such as Mohill Station House, Carrick On Shannon Business Campus, Carrick on Shannon Tennis Club, Shannonside Regional Sports Campus, The Exchange Regeneration Project in Drumshanbo, The Food Innovation Hub in Drumshanbo, Car Park and viewing area in Drumkeeran.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Kerry initiative lends support to festival encouraging neighbours to come together and eat
Healthy Kerry, a council programme, was recently announced as one of the partners of the fifteenth edition of Street Feast, a nationwide celebration encouraging neighbours to come together for cups of tea, park picnics and street parties to build community. The Kerry organisation is funding packs for communities to hold playful games and activities at their Street Feast gatherings. Almost 75,000 took part in the celebration last year, with 96pc of participants reporting that their sense of belonging has increased since the event. Deirdre Hegarty, Healthy Kerry co-ordinator, said that partnering with Street Feast was an excellent fit for her organisation as the initiative offers an opportunity to create a sense of community that lasts far beyond a single afternoon. 'It's a chance to meet the people living right next door, to celebrate diversity, and to spark the kind of neighbourly relationships that make our towns and villages thrive,' Ms Hegarty said. 'This year, Healthy Kerry are funding play packs to support communities to include playful games and activities as part of their Street Feast events. 'We are proud to support this brilliant initiative and look forward to seeing colourful, creative, and joyful Street Feasts popping up across County Kerry.' Street Feast is also supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, local authorities, Dr Oetker Ireland and other partners. Street Feast founder Sam Bishop said every year, thousands of neighbours pass each other by without ever saying hello and this festival aims to change that. 'By hosting a Street Feast, you can help make your neighbourhood a happier, healthier and more connected place,' Mr Bishop said. Those interested in getting involved in Street Feast can register to host a gathering and receive a free party pack, complete with bunting, stickers, invites, posters and a DIY guide, at
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
ALDI launch Community Grants Programme at Cork store amid appeal to local charities
Since it was launched in 2016, ALDI's Community Grants Programme has donated over €758,000 to more than a thousand local charity branches and groups throughout Ireland. Charities and groups are asked to nominate themselves for an ALDI gift card worth €500. Nominations can be made by dropping into their local store and staff from each of ALDI's 163 stores, two distribution centres, and corporate offices will then vote for a charity or community organisation in their local area to receive the grant. Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability Manager at ALDI Ireland, commented: 'Through this programme, we aim to provide essential resources that help these organisations thrive and make a real difference in people's lives. 'Today, we would like to invite charities and community groups to nominate themselves at their local ALDI store. 'We again look forward to supporting their work and witnessing the positive changes they bring to our local communities,' she said. Since 2016, recipient charities and organisations have ranged from disability support to children's charities, animal sanctuaries, mental health support groups, sports organisations, and everything in between. Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer TD said he is 'delighted' to see the programme return for another year. 'Charities and grassroots groups across the country play a critical role in the communities they serve. 'I applaud the valuable work they continue to do in towns and cities all over Ireland, and the great role that ALDI staff and customers play in supporting them every year through this programme.' Munster and Ireland rugby legend Paul O'Connell is an ALDI Play Rugby Ambassador, and he wished 'all groups applying the best of luck.' Gay Project is one of the beneficiary charities, and a representative said ALDI's support has been 'invaluable.' 'This funding has enabled us to reach more people in need and provide essential services that make a real difference in our community. 'We are incredibly grateful for ALDI's continued commitment to local communities and their dedication to supporting grassroots organisations like ours. 'We are grateful for ALDI's continued commitment to local communities and I would encourage any interested organisations to apply today.' For more information about the 2025 Community Grants Programme and how to apply, please visit ALDI Ireland's Community Grants Page:
Irish Examiner
22-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Tidy Towns groups released from burden of insurance costs with new partnership
Tidy Towns groups across the country will no longer have to pay insurance under a new partnership between local authorities and Irish Public Bodies Insurance. The agreement will significantly cut the costs incurred by more than 1,000 active Tidy Towns groups and will enable them to focus their energy and resources on community activities. The initiative, which has already seen 700 groups sign up, pools the risk associated with Tidy Towns activities under a master policy undertaken by local authorities enabling the voluntary groups to focus on their core mission of improving the local amenity in their communities. Chair of IPB Insurance, John Hogan, said: 'As a mutual insurer, we believe in the strength of the collective and working together. This initiative demonstrates the benefits of collaboration to address insurance challenges that make a meaningful difference for our members and their communities. "We are delighted to partner with our local authority members to deliver a community insurance scheme that protects those who do so much for their communities on a voluntary basis.' Interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition has increased year on year with over 900 entries received for the competition in 2024. The competition has been running since 1958 and is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Welcoming the initiative, Robert Troy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, said: 'Volunteer and local groups like Tidy Towns help keep towns clean and attractive, while offering ways for people to support their communities and address local needs. 'This partnership between Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Insurance and the 31 local authorities will mean Tidy Towns groups will have insurance cover, at no cost to them. This will enable local authority-backed Tidy Towns groups to continue their vital work bringing benefits to the community, and indeed the country, as a whole." He said the scheme also exemplifies the success of the Government's insurance reform agenda. "The implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform has yielded substantial benefits for consumers. Notably, insurance capacity is now accessible in previously challenging sectors, including hospitality, leisure activities, and community groups.' Anna Marie Delaney, Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) said the changes will add to the grant funding which local authorities had already been providing to support community groups. The cost savings associated with the scheme should assist groups by ensuring they have more resources available to support their activities. Read More Tidy Towns champion who helped his town win coveted top award named Cork Person of the Month
