_Two of the 12 projects nationally are located in Galway – Maigh Cuilinn and Newcastle _

I can confirm that €6 million has been allocated by Government for a new Community Centre for Moycullen.

The allocation is from a brand-new Community Centre Fund which Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphries has launched today on a visit to Galway.

The Maigh Cuilinn project, as well as funding for a new community centre in Newcastle in the city, are among 12 to receive support from this new fund.

The Maigh Cuilinn project will receive the maximum amount available of €6 million whilst Newcastle will receive over €4 million.

I would like to commend the voluntary work of Moycullen Community Development association (MCDA) who for years have worked on acquiring lands for a community centre and worked on securing planning permission at the site behind Doire Feá housing estate on the old Coillte woods. Chairpersons and Directors of MCDA over the years have done exceptional work to progress this project.

The funding is being awarded to Údarás Na Gaeltachta in conjunction with MCDA. Údarás were the lead State partner with MCDA in submitting the application to the fund,” explained Senator Kyne.

The funding for the Newcastle centre is being provided to Galway City Council at a site next to the Croí building in Newcastle. I would like to acknowledge the work of the local committee in Newcastle over 20 years and of Mayor Eddie Hoare on promoting this project on a City Council owned site.

I have worked with former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Minister Heather Humphreys to put a community centre fund in place, first for repairs which many centres in Galway availed of and then for new centres in rapidly growing areas, two of which, Moycullen and Newcastle have been hugely successful in their applications.  The allocations today are the first under this new fund.

I would like to thank Údarás na Gaeltachta for coming on board as lead partner for this project which will be a game- changer for the growing community of Moycullen which has a huge cohort of teenagers who need such a facility. Moycullen has a proud sporting record and have excelled in sports including GAA, basketball and handball as well as producing stars in rugby, soccer and other sports. These facilities will be available to the whole community for sport, drama, community and social occasions.

The centre will also act as an innovation hub and will be located near to the proposed Greenway between the University of Galway and Moycullen. The project which will also involve installing roads and a pumping station, will open up the 30 acres of community lands in the village also.