Five community halls share €400k 

FIVE of Co Carlow’s community halls have benefited to the tune of over €400,000 under the 2025 Community Centre Investment Fund.

Rathoe Community Hall is set to receive €100,000 for kitchen installation, fire alarm system, solar panels and flooring upgrades. Ballon Hall committee will get €97,204 for solar panel installation, sports hall refinishing and general upgrades. St John’s Caring Community Centre, Hacketstown will receive €87,730 for energy efficiency renovations, toilet upgrades and roof repairs. Myshall Community Centre will get €73,384 for re-roofing works, while €42,316 has been approved for solar panels, battery storage and heating system upgrades at Old Leighlin Community Hall.

“This funding is a game-changer for our local communities,” said minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor. “These centres are the heart of our towns and villages, hosting everything from social gatherings to emergency responses. I’m thrilled to see Carlow benefit from this investment.” Deputy Catherine O’Callaghan also welcomed the funding.

“I am delighted to see funding of €400,000 for community centres in Co Carlow. I want to thank the volunteers who work so hard to facilitate activities in our community centres,” she said. Cllr Ben Ward also welcomed the huge investment into community centres. “It’s so important that we invest in our communities and reward the brilliant committees and volunteers who run and manage these community centres,” he said.