Transformative Patrickswell Community Centre opens following Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding

Patrickswell Community Centre officially opens wit hthe ribbon cut by Minister Heather Humphreys T.D., Department of Rural and Community Development. Picture by: Kieran Ryan-Benson

New Patrickswell Community Centre opens, delivering a transformative new facility on a formerly vacant site at the centre of the County Limerick village

The official opening was performed by the Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Dan McSweeney and the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphries T.D.

The project was allocated €500,000 of funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Additional significant funding was provided by Limerick City and County Council, the J.P. McManus Benevolent Fund, the Office of Public Works and from within the local community.

Patrickswell Community Council spearheaded the development with support from Limerick City and County Council.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to enhance rural towns and villages through the provision of local recreational amenities. The 2021 Scheme had a particular focus on projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose spaces.

At the official opening, Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Dan McSweeney was enthusiastic about the new amenity, saying, “This is a momentous day for the Patrickswell Community. 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.”

Kicking off a busy day in Co. Limerick with the official opening of the Patrickswell Community Centre.

This project received €500,000 under #OurRuralFuture – have a look at the before and after shots ! pic.twitter.com/RvQ4haXlTM— Heather Humphreys (@HHumphreysFG) February 28, 2024

Minister for Social Protection and Rural & Community Development Heather Humphreys TD said: “I am delighted 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.”

Director of Rural, Community and Culture Development at Limerick City and County Council, Stephane Duclot explained that the project brings a vacant site back into use:

“This Community Centre has been developed on a prominent vacant site in the centre of Patrickswell village. This central location ensures it is easily accessible to all sections of the community.  It is a much needed multi-purpose hub serving the needs of the local population, local community groups and businesses.”

The project has been 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 visually appealing public realm space to the front of the new Patrickswell Community Centre.

Find out more about the Town and Village Renewal Scheme
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