21st January 2014
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, announced today that he has given sanction to SECAD to approve funding of €500,000 to Carrigaline Lions Youth Project Ltd. for the construction of a 6000 sq. ft. youth centre
The facility will comprise youth activity/general purpose rooms, offices and meeting rooms and café facilities.
Minister Hogan said:
“I am delighted that the Rural Development Programme is in a position to support Carrigaline Lions Youth Project Ltd. in the construction of this youth centre, which has an estimated total project cost of approximately €835,000. With its growing population and deficit in secondary community services, this dedicated youth facility will give the youth of Carrigaline a safe, secure and comfortable base for activities while offering them the opportunity to develop their talents through mentoring and education programmes in a building that is sustainable in the long term’’.
The LEADER elements of the Programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the Programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for the rural areas.
The Minister added: “This project will now go back to the Board of South and East Cork Area Development Ltd. for final approval. This is in line with the EU’s ‘’bottom-up’’ approach to rural development’’.
