Raphoe is set to benefit from a vital redevelopment and expansion of their community centre with the opening of a new building, called the Súile Centre.
The official launch of the LEADER- funded Súile project was performed in the Volt House on Monday by Minister Joe Mc Hugh TD.
Minister Mc Hugh welcomed the €177,000 funding awarded to the centre by LEADER and said: “The Volt House facility is a huge benefit to this part of Donegal. The goal of LEADER is to provide a facility that will keep the services at the Volt House running, while increasing membership and retain users.”
Minister Joe McHugh and Acting Chairperson of Raphoe Community In Action Mary Harte at the Official Launch of the LEADER Funded
Súile Project at the Volt House, Raphoe
Minister Mc Hugh told the committee: “You are a vital piece of the social and economic fabric of Raphoe. I know how highly valued this location is as a meeting point and for all the work and engagement that goes on here with local organisations to provide cultural, heritage, economic, environmental and community development.
“The work at Volt House over the last 20 years or so has helped to create a focal point for community and social activity within Raphoe and the surrounding area.
“The value you bring through the Family Resource Centre, Donegal Education Training Boards, Tidy Towns, Toddler Groups, Art classes, Woman’s Groups, Bridge Club and Book Club should not be underestimated.
“This investment will make a massive difference to the people who use the Volt House but it will also add to the environment, heritage, economy and community of Raphoe and long may that continue.”
Official Launch of the LEADER Funded
Súile Project at the Volt House, Raphoe
Also speaking at the launch, Patsy Mc Gonagle, the new Chairman of Donegal Local Development Company stated that the aim of the LEADER Programme throughout Europe is to encourage local actors like the Volt House Committee to develop their own local enterprise and community facilities.
It was his view that this project is an excellent example of an initiative which meets the challenges of the needs of rural communities and also the aims of the LEADER Programme.
Official Launch of the LEADER Funded
Súile Project at the Volt House, Raphoe
Mr Mc Gonagle went on to say, “While we acknowledge the importance of the LEADER grant of €177,127 we must also acknowledge the commitment and input from the Local Committee of the Volt House who will provide in excess of €75K of the funding to ensure the project is delivered to an outstanding specification.
“The Volt House is a testament to the success of the Raphoe Community and the LEADER Programme both here in this county as well as throughout the nation.”
Mr Mc Gonagle congratulated the Volt House Committee on their vision in ensuring that the community of Raphoe will have excellent community facilities into the future.
Official Launch of the LEADER Funded
Súile Project at the Volt House, Raphoe
Welcoming the funding, the Acting Chairperson of Raphoe Community In Action, Mary Harte, said it was a new and exciting chapter in the life of the Volt House.
Ms Harte said: “Since the building was acquired by the community and restored 20 years ago it has been a hub of activity for the young and not so young and a focal point for everyone in Raphoe.
“The Volt House is a hive of activity, from youth projects, the senior Friday Club, and Raphoe Tidy Towns to name but a few of the groups using the facility. When the new Suile Centre opens next year it will enhance our work and give us the opportunity to reach out to many more projects.”
Liam Porter and Minister Joe McHugh at the Official Launch of the LEADER Funded
Súile Project at the Volt House, Raphoe
The project has been supported by Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), Donegal County Council and the Department of Rural & Community Development through grant aid received under
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development in Ireland 2014- 2020 ‘Europe investing in rural areas’.
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