An investment of €750,000 has been revealed to support capital development projects from local community groups across Cork.

The funding, which is being allocated as part of Phase 2 of the Cork County Community Development Initiative, which will enable groups to deliver projects like community hall refurbishments and upgrades.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan is calling on local community groups to apply for up to €25,000 in funding under the new phase.

The Cork County Community Development Initiative operates in association with the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), which is worth €3.5 million in total. Cork County Council has been putting its own funds aside on a yearly basis since 2016.

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Mayor Coughlan said: "We know how tough the last 18 months has been for community groups and how difficult in particular it has been for them to fundraise. Many of these groups rose to the challenge during the pandemic and did all they could to help and support the people in their own community. Our towns and villages would be very different places without them. I am encouraging community groups right across Cork County to apply to this wonderful initiative so that they can have the best facilities and equipment possible."

Deputy Chief Executive of Cork County Council, James Fogarty added: "Through our three Local Development Committees, we are committed to improving the range and quality of community based facilities which will assist in providing the very best quality of life offering to our citizens. The Cork County Community Development Initiative in cooperation with the Local Development Companies can be used to enhance facilities in communities or to kick-start, advance or complete their projects."

The closing date for receipt of applications for Phase 2 of funding is 4pm Friday, 17 September 2021. Applicants will be notified, if successful, in December with a view to having all projects completed by 30 November 2022.