Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her positive response. The next time she or her Minister of State visit Galway, they will be invited to visit the site of the proposed community centre and meet the committee that has produced the ambitious plans.

As the Minister stated, community centres are often the backbone of communities, but unfortunately there are areas in which no community facility exists. Newcastle in Galway city is one of these areas. Approximately 60% of the residents of the area are retired and have absolutely no facilities, be they community, commercial or otherwise. Communities are willing to work with the Government to make their projects a success. Newcastle Combined Community Association is no different. It is determined to make sure the community centre is viable in the long term by means of measures to generate income for the service provider to cover operating costs. Funding for this facility will enhance the lives of everyone in the community. I hope the application will be considered favourably when the scheme is announced.

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