'Hugely significant' - €2m funding for Four Masters and Bluestack Foundation project
The new facility is expected to become a major community hub for Donegal Town, promoting inclusion, accessibility, participation and wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities
Four Masters GAA Club, in partnership with the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, has been awarded €2 million in funding.
The backing is courtesy of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) Fund, which supports the development of a new state-of-the-art clubhouse and community facility at Tir Chonaill Park.
Pat the Cope Gallagher TD of Fianna Fáil has welcomed the announcement.
He said: “This is a hugely significant investment for Four Masters GAA Club, the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation and the wider Donegal Town community. The new facility will provide a lasting legacy and create an inclusive space that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities for generations to come.”
Deputy Gallagher paid tribute to the project committee, led by Chairperson Rory O’Donnell, Trevor James and Conor Gillespie, for their commitment and professionalism in bringing the project to this stage.
“Over the past three years, I have been delighted to assist the committee in progressing this application,” Deputy Gallagher said. “This funding award is a testament to their dedication, vision and the high quality of the proposal they presented.”
The development will include a large accessible gym, a fully compliant Changing Places facility, community meeting rooms, an accessible kitchen, a large event space and lift access throughout the building. Developed in partnership with the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, the facility will provide important opportunities for inclusion, participation, health and wellbeing across the region.
The project has also been designed with a strong focus on sustainability and community partnership. The building will achieve an A1 BER rating and incorporate low embodied carbon construction, rainwater harvesting measures and biodiversity enhancements.
In addition, the facility will be shared with local educational partners including Abbey Vocational School, The Glebe National School, Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala, Killymard National School, Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí and St Francis’s National School, ensuring it becomes a valuable resource for the wider community.
Deputy Gallagher acknowledged the tremendous fundraising efforts of club members, volunteers, local businesses and sponsors whose support helped strengthen the application.
He added: “The commitment shown by the club, its members, supporters and the wider community has been exceptional. Their efforts played a significant role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
“I wish to thank Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan for his support and for recognising the importance of this project. His commitment to investing in inclusive community facilities has helped make this development possible and will leave a lasting legacy for Donegal Town and the surrounding area.
“This funding represents a major milestone for the club, the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation and the wider community, and I wish everyone involved every success as they move forward to the construction phase.”
The new facility is expected to become a major community hub for Donegal Town, promoting inclusion, accessibility, participation and wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.
Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Michael Naughton of the Donegal MD also welcomes the grant approval.