A TRANSFORMATIVE new facility located on a formerly vacant site in County Limerick has been officially opened with much fanfare and excitement.
Patrickswell’s new community centre was allocated €500,000 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with additional funding provided by Limerick City and County Council, the JP McManus Benevolent Fund, the Office of Public Works, and from fundraising within the local community.
Last Wednesday, February 28, the long-awaited Patrickswell Community Centre opened for the first time.
Patrickswell Community Council spearheaded the development with support from Limerick City and County Council, and Deputy Mayor Dan McSweeney, and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphries, who were on hand to open the centre.
Cllr McSweeney, a Patrickswell native, was enthusiastic about the new amenity.
“This is a momentous day for the Patrickswell community,” he said.
“This project is testimony to the power of positive partnerships with the community, local and national government, and philanthropic endeavours combining to deliver for the people of Patrickswell. This community centre will no doubt become a hub of activity, a focal point, helping to foster a sense of belonging and pride.”
Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said she was delighted that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was able to provide €500,000 for the development of the Patrickswell Community Hub.
“Overall, Limerick has been allocated over €7 million to date, which I am sure you will agree is a significant investment under this scheme. But, money only goes so far. It is community engagement, your vision, and your determination that transforms a building into something that really enhances a community.
“I want to congratulate you for working together to develop the vision for this project and to seek funding from the available schemes to make it happen.” Minister Humphreys commented.
The project was complemented by the works that were undertaken in the village by the Active Travel Team of Limerick City and County Council, with funding from the National Transport Authority, which included the provision of a new public realm space to the front of the new Patrickswell Community Centre.
