A state-of-the-art new multi-sports complex and remote working facility has been officially opened in Co Cork.

The Banteer Sports Field Project includes a flood-lit astro-turf facility, spectator area, sports pavilion and event space and will serve the Duhallow area in the North West of the County.

This project, which also includes a remote working hub, was brought to life with €1.3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

Officially opening the project today, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: "This project, and many others like it, which have been funded by my Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, represent everything that I have been saying for years about Rural Ireland.

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"It is a showcase of what an energetic and active community, with a fierce sense of pride and place, can achieve when they are given the opportunities and funding streams to make things happen.

"This is a transformational project for the Duhallow area and I wish to congratulate the entire community and all the project partners on completing the project.

"I have no doubt that this facility will be a valued resource within the community and will have a positive influence on the local economy, while promoting health and fitness in the region."

Denis Withers, Secretary of Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG commented: "I wish to pay tribute to everyone who made this project possible, in particular the hard-working Banteer Community Sportsfield group, its officers and members, local sports clubs, neighbours, businesses, schools, public representatives and the Board and Management and staff of IRD Duhallow. 

"This is a project which has been developed and nurtured at a community level first and foremost, and this has been reflected in the support received from the local community, and all the fundraisers and ticket sellers who worked so hard to make this vision a reality.

"Special thanks also to Minister Humphreys and her Department for their generous support of the community in Banteer. 

"These wonderful facilities will enable the communities in this region, and future generations to come, to enjoy a better quality of life and to continue to grow and thrive."