Good progress at Teach na nDaoine project

Pics: Ronan Murphy.

The Teach na nDaoine Centre is expected to be ready for use in coming months, following good progress with the final phase of the rebuild, writes Brian Byrne.

The project was initiated in 2015, involving the refurbishment of the old HSE Dispensary and the building of a large extension which will allow a range of facilities to be provided, such as activity areas, kitchen facilities, a lounge, coffee dock and dining room, and a community garden. Planning permission was granted in late 2016, and statutory certifications from various organisations including the county Fire Service were completed in August 2017.

Up to 2018, the funds gathered towards the estimated €190,000 cost had reached €65,000, including €45,000 from the National Lottery. The balance raised had come from a range of small and large events organised in the community, as well as private donations. In summer of 2019 it was estimated that around €35,000 more would be needed to complete the project.

The arrival of the pandemic in early 2020 closed down further fundraising and work on the premises. 

An award of €28,530 from the Town and Village Renewal scheme earlier this year enabled the completion of interior works.

Much of the non-construction work on the project has been voluntary, and on Saturday last Padraic and Liz Moloney were busy painting, even in 29deg heat.

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