Property tax funding for GAA and youth projects

ANNAGHDOWN GAA Club will benefit from more than €40,000 in funding allocated under the Local Property Tax (LPT) projects.

The project was proposed at the recent meeting of Athenry MDC, by Cllr James Charity to assign a total of €44,000 to the club for development of facilities.

The funding follows the recent grant of planning permission for new playing pitches on the GAA grounds in Cregg, which will “provide for additional youth facilities” at the club.

“It is a project that is long in the making and is going to cost a substantial amount of money,” noted Cllr Charity.

Meanwhile, €20,000 has been allocated to the development of a Teen’s base in Athenry under the LPT funding.

The project proposed by Athenry Cllr Martin McNamara aims to provide a suitable and welcoming environment for young people within the community.

“The initiative addresses the need for positive accessible spaces where teens can socialise, unwind and engage in constructive activities outside of school or homes,” said Cllr McNamara.

“Features such as outdoor chess tables will provide opportunities for strategic thinking, meaningful peer interaction and intergenerational connection, all of which will contribute positively to teen mental health,” he added.

Director of Services at Galway County Council Liam Hanrahan said that he would be talking to the area engineers to see how best this can be progressed and will also review the budgets if there is a requirement for co-funding.