Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the Seanad 100 team for the event yesterday. It was wonderful to celebrate the fact that more than 800 Senators have served in Seanad Éireann of which nearly 120 were women. I very much appreciate the new portraits that have been added to the House to celebrate the women who have served here in Seanad Éireann.

I wish to pay tribute to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Heather Humphreys, for the funding for community centres that was received last week. A lot of groups in counties Galway and Roscommon jumped for joy last week when they heard about the funding. I wish to highlight that the funding is for the renovation and retrofitting of buildings, community centres and parish halls. Funding amounting to €0.25 million has been allocated to the Town Hall Theatre in Ballinasloe, County Galway. The theatre is being used right now, and was used last week, for productions of the Ballinasloe panto, which has brought back the Christmas spirit to the town and for children who did not have the opportunity to see a panto for the past two or three years. I thank the volunteers who submitted the applications. The social services in Ballinasloe have received funding of more than €80,000 to make the building more energy efficient by erecting solar panels, and improving lighting and flooring. The Drum Community Centre and Elfin Community Centre in County Roscommon received funding too. It is crucial these community centres are funded. Volunteers run these activities in local areas and the funding will make the building sustainable for the future and future generations. The funding will keep towns and villages alive. I thank the volunteers, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys.