€300,000 grant a lifeline for east Mayo community centre

KNOCK Community Centre, which was on the point of becoming non-viable, has been given a lifeline.

It was awarded €300,000 in grant aid under the Community Centres Investment Fund announced this morning.

The centre's committee, in a statement on Knock Community Futures' social media, set out how the funding will be of huge benefit to the local community.

They stated: 'There is a clear need for better facilities and services to cater for the 2,000 people of all ages and nationalities living here.

'The original pre-fabricated timber-frame community centre building was built in the 1950s and has dry-rot and needs demolishing. The newer part of the building, built in 1990, is structurally sound, but needs extensive modernising, better functionality and modern technologies, essential upgrading and refurbishment to bring it into line with fire safety regulations; an energy efficient heating system, new windows and doors, as well as access improvements and new services such as remote working hubs, meeting rooms, Irish dancing, keep-fit, a coffee dock/youth café, a space for community gatherings, etc.

'This funding will allow us to improve the energy efficiency of the building with deep retrofitting to reduce emissions, install fire safety equipment and exits, upgrade of electrical and heating system to ensure they meet regulations and standards and provide a new disabled toilet suitable for those with mobility issues and wheelchair users.

'By the provision of a modern landmark community facility, we hope to encourage more young families to settle here and contribute to the social, economic and cultural life of the community.

'We want to create a welcoming environment for those living alone or experiencing rural isolation, as well as catering for the marginalised in the community.

'This is a lifeline for Knock Community Centre, which was on the point of becoming non-viable. We are looking forward to getting started on this essential work which we hope will be complete by 2024. The future is bright!'

The Knock Community Centre committee comprises Paraic Prendergast (chairperson), Sinead Mallee (secretary/PRO), Rachael Salmon (treasurer), Nicola Carty, Keith Curry, Brian Murphy, Joe Neylon, Julie Noonan Eduwaye and Raymond Heneghan.