Major Funding Boost Transforms Ballincollig's Carraig Centre

• Tánaiste Simon Harris officially launches €2.18 million renovation project to enhance community facilities and support local groups

The Carraig Centre in Ballincollig received a significant boost on Friday as Tánaiste Simon Harris officially launched major construction works that will transform the community facility with over €2 million in government funding.

The Centre has secured €185,000 through the Community Recognition Fund from the Department of Rural and Community Development, distributed across three tranches. This funding will support the installation of flexible wall partitions to create adaptable spaces for community groups, construction of a North Walkway Canopy connecting the existing East Wing, and refurbishment of the West Wing to provide additional community space.

A substantial additional €2 million grant from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration through the Immigrant Investor Programme will cover the major refurbishment costs, bringing the total investment to €2.18 million.

Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy welcomed the announcement:

"I welcome Tánaiste Simon Harris T.D. and Minister of State for the Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer T.D. to Ballincollig, as an indication of the Government's commitment to community development in and across Cork City."

The Lord Mayor praised the Centre's inclusive approach:

"The Carraig Centre is a professional, well managed, shared space that is open to all for the improvement of the quality of life for the people of Ballincollig and beyond. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes on the progressive path you have taken in sharing this community facility way beyond your church community as an exemplar of social inclusion and community development."

Rebecca Loughry, Director of Services, Corporate, Community and Cultural Affairs, Cork City Council highlighted the Centre's community impact:

"The Carraig Centre has continuously supported local community groups in Ballincollig and it has also been a hub from the Ukrainian community, including hosting the Ukrainian choir. This is an excellent example of what the Community Recognition Fund is all about in terms of enhancing services for all communities, new and established. It further adds to our commitment to enhancing and ensuring Cork City's reputation as a 'City of Welcomes' which can be shared by all."

Canon Robert Ferris, Rector of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes described the launch as a significant milestone:

"This event has been an important milestone in our story, bringing together our national and local government representatives, groups which regularly use the Centre, for example Enable Ireland, their staff and service owners, our amazing staff team, young people from the parish, Board and Volunteer teams, Diocesan and Central Church reps all of whom have helped us to get to where we are today. We look forward to serving the community to which we are called and continuing to build upon the rock (Carraig) solid foundations in the months and years ahead."

Construction work will continue throughout the summer with minimal disruption to the Centre's ongoing community services. The launch event was attended by numerous community groups who regularly use the facility and collaborate with Centre volunteers and staff.