Timoleague celebrates with €4m for new community hall

THREE West Cork organisations are celebrating after being approved for a multi-million euro package under the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP).

Kinsale GAA, Bandon Athletics Track and Timoleague Community Hall were confirmed for the funding boost to help move projects forward.

Kinsale GAA has been approved for an €8m allocation for major capital works to expand their new facilities, while Bandon Athletics Track has been approved for €2.8m for an indoor training facility.

Timoleague has also been approved for €4 million for a new community hall, something locals have campaigned long and hard for.

John Walsh, chairman of Timoleague Community Association, said they were ‘over the moon’ with the funding announcement.

The current hall is over 50 years old, and the community has been in talks about a new building for the past ten years.

‘This has relieved us of financial pressure,’ said John. ‘It’s a massive boost to the entire area.’

The new hall will be built on the existing site.

‘We also own a garden to the back of the building so there is the option to extend it,’ said John.

‘There’s no timeline as yet but we’re very excited to finally get the project off the ground.’

Minister of State and Cork South West Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan also welcomed the funding.

‘This is incredible news for all three communities and extremely well deserved,’ he said.

‘The impact of indoor training facilities on Bandon’s and West Cork’s already incredible athletes will be huge, and for Kinsale GAA are already in the process of building their brand new GAA grounds.'

He added: ‘I’m also very glad to see Timoleague will soon have a brand new community space. They have been trying to secure funding for this for a few years now. Each of these approvals in funding will bring such positive changes to these communities.

‘Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on their applications and thanks too to Minister Jim O’Callaghan for signing off on this round of funding.’

Established in 2012, the IIP offers Irish residence in return for investment in the State.