Over €123,000 in Community Grants and Awards Celebrated in the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District

Approximately 200 community leaders, volunteers, and local Councillors recently gathered at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey to celebrate the official presentation of more than €123,000 in district funding.

The ceremony highlighted the vital role that local groups play in keeping the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District vibrant, inclusive, and connected. Opening the event on a highly positive note, Ms. Anita McLoughlin, District Manager welcomed the substantial crowd, noting that it was great to see such a tremendous turnout on such a beautifully sunny evening.

Addressing the attendees, Cathaoirleach Donal Kenny stated that it was a real honour to stand before them to recognise and thank them for the tireless work they carry out across communities, both big and small, throughout the entire district. The dedication of local volunteers ensures the district continues to thrive, with each group contributing unique efforts to make their neighbourhoods more welcoming, inclusive, attractive, and tightly connected.

A major highlight of the evening was the formal announcement of the Amenity & Arts Small Scale Funding Grants 2026.  The elected members of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District allocated €100,000 across 142 local groups.  These grants offer vital support to voluntary committees to help them deliver public facing projects that enhance and maintain local public amenities, promote meaningful social inclusion across all age groups, support day to day voluntary and community initiatives and boost cultural, heritage, and artistic developments.  The funding model remains a fantastic mechanism for local councillors to directly support and acknowledge the outstanding work carried out by community groups.

The ceremony also highlighted the widespread impact of the Residents’ Association Grant Scheme for 2026. This year, the scheme received 35 individual applications, resulting in an additional €23,000 being allocated by the district Members.  These localised projects are carried out directly within various housing estates, focusing heavily on enhancing the visual appearance, green spaces, and shared infrastructure of local areas. This funding recognises the continuous, year after year dedication shown by resident associations in fostering welcoming environments.

The evening concluded on a high note with the presentation of the North Wexford 2K Clean Recognition Awards. The awards serve as another fantastic example of community pride, celebrating the specific environmental groups and tidy towns committees who work tirelessly to keep the local roadsides clean.