We are pleased to announce that Gaeil Colmcille have received approval for significant funding through the Investor Incentive Programme (IIP) under an endowment scheme which allows for investment in sporting & community projects. The funding has been approved through Minister Helen McEntee’s Department of Justice.
Addressing the club’s executive committee members earlier this evening, Chairperson, Olivia Ferguson, advised that after a lengthy application process the club had received approval for the scheme to support the completion of the development of our grounds in Grangegodden.
Confirmation was recently received that six of the ten donors sought had been approved for the scheme and we await further updates from those individuals on securing their funding. The remaining four proposed donors have yet to be approved for the scheme. With each successful donor providing €400k, it could lead to substantial funds becoming available to the club should all donors obtain approval and provide funding.
Olivia stated that ‘while this is a fantastic opportunity for the club to develop facilities for our members, it will also provide excellent facilities for many people in the community to use for hosting events and meetings as well as making use of the recreational & sporting facilities on the grounds. We look forward to being able to deliver this for the people of Kells and the surrounding areas.’
Olivia paid tribute to former Chairs & Executive members for all their work during what were challenging times since 2007 and thanked all the club’s members and local businesses who have continued to support the club throughout.
Olivia thanked those on the club’s Facilities Development committee for their hard work over the past four years in getting planning permission in place for the development and bringing the IIP application to this stage. She also acknowledged the support the club had received from local and national public representatives, without this help and guidance, the application would not have been successful.
The club will now embark on a significant fundraising drive to support with the various development, professional & running costs associated with the project. The tendering process will start once the funds have been secured with the aim of commencing construction work in early 2026. We also intend to host an open evening in the coming months for members and the wider community to view the finalised plans in more detail.
