Investing in our Community’s Tomorrow
Through the first ever Cairde Credit Union Community Initiative Fund, a total fund of €100,000 was established to support projects that create lasting positive impact across our Common Bond.
In its first year, €90,000 has been awarded to six community organisations delivering projects that enhance local facilities, promote community wellbeing, and strengthen connections within our area.
The remaining €10,000 will be carried forward to next year’s Community Initiative Fund, allowing us to continue investing in projects that benefit our communities.
KGK Community Ltd. – Knockanore / Glendine / Kilwatermoy
Funding Awarded: €20,000
Cairde Credit Union is delighted to support KGK Community Ltd. with funding towards the development of a new community playground in the KGK area of Knockanore, Glendine and Kilwatermoy.
KGK Community Ltd. is a community development company established by seven local community groups working together to strengthen facilities and opportunities within the area. Since its formation in 2022, the group has delivered several significant projects, including the purchase of land for community use, the development of a fully lit astroturf pitch, and the creation of a 500-metre lit walking track.
The new playground will be located beside Knockanore National School, the community hall, and the all-weather playing grounds, helping to create a vibrant hub for children, families and community activities. The playground will include a range of equipment designed for children aged 2–12 and will be designed to ensure accessibility, safety and inclusion for all.
This project represents a major community effort, supported by local fundraising and funding from Waterford City & County Council. The support from the Cairde Credit Union Community Initiative Fund will assist the group in completing the project and bringing this important facility to life for local families.
Once completed, the playground will provide a welcoming recreational space where children can play, families can gather, and the wider community can connect.
Fiontar Pobail – An Rinn
Funding Awarded: €20,000
Cairde Credit Union is proud to support Fiontar Pobail with funding towards the development of their community all-weather sports ground in An Rinn.
Fiontar Pobail is a voluntary community group based in the West Waterford Gaeltacht, working to create facilities that support the health and wellbeing of the local community. Their project has delivered a 90m x 50m all-weather sports facility, providing a dedicated space for a wide range of activities including GAA, soccer, athletics, and fitness classes.
The project represents a significant community effort, with local fundraising initiatives contributing greatly to the development of the facility. The sports ground officially opened to the public in June 2025 and has already become a popular hub for sporting activities and community events.
Funding from the Cairde Credit Union Community Initiative Fund will assist with the completion of remaining works, including the installation of an external ball wall and improvements to parking and bicycle facilities.
This important facility will continue to encourage active lifestyles, social connection, and community participation for people of all ages across An Rinn and the surrounding areas.
St. John’s Special School – Dungarvan
Funding Awarded: €20,000
Cairde Credit Union is proud to support St. John’s Special School in Dungarvan with funding towards the purchase of a 9-seater school bus.
St. John’s Special School provides education and support for children and young people with a wide range of additional learning needs. The school is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where pupils can develop socially, emotionally and academically while building important life skills.
With the recent addition of two new classrooms and an increase in student numbers, the school has experienced growing demand for transport to community activities and educational outings. The new bus will allow more pupils to safely participate in trips, community visits and social activities that support independence, confidence and real-world learning.
Support from the Cairde Credit Union Community Initiative Fund will help ensure that students have greater access to opportunities beyond the classroom, strengthening their connection with the wider community and enhancing their overall wellbeing.
St. Brigid’s Hall – Killrossanty
Funding Awarded: €10,000
Cairde Credit Union is proud to support St. Brigid’s Hall Committee, Killrossanty with funding towards improvements to their community hall facilities.
St. Brigid’s Hall has long been a central hub for the local community. Originally built as a national school in 1881, the building was later extended in the 1930s and converted into a community hall in the 1960s. Since then it has played an important role in community life in the area.
The hall hosts a wide range of activities and events including exercise classes, Pilates, concerts, school discos, youth activities, theatre productions and community gatherings, providing a valuable space for people of all ages.
Funding from the Cairde Credit Union Community Initiative Fund will support important upgrades to the facility including the addition of an accessible toilet cubicle, improvements to kitchen facilities, and enhancements to the outdoor garden space. These improvements will help ensure the hall remains a safe, welcoming and accessible space for the community.
Modeligo Community Centre – Modeligo
Funding Awarded: €10,000
Cairde Credit Union is delighted to support Modeligo Community Centre with funding towards improvements to their community hall facilities.
Modeligo Community Centre plays an important role in the local community, providing a space for a wide range of activities and groups. The centre’s facilities are regularly used by local GAA and Camogie clubs, juvenile teams, community organisations and social groups, while the hall also hosts activities such as badminton, yoga, circuit training, drama productions and community events.
Funding from the Cairde Credit Union Community Initiative Fund will support upgrades to the hall including the installation of wall-mounted heaters and internal insulation works, helping to improve comfort and usability for those who use the facility.
These improvements will allow the centre to continue supporting local clubs, community groups and residents while encouraging even greater participation in activities within the Modeligo community.
Dungarvan Hockey Club – Dungarvan
Funding Awarded: €10,000
Cairde Credit Union is proud to support Dungarvan Hockey Club with funding towards the installation of security perimeter fencing around their hockey pitch site at St. Augustine’s College, Dungarvan.
Dungarvan Hockey Club is a volunteer-run club with over 220 active members, promoting participation in hockey for people of all ages and abilities throughout West Waterford. The club has strong links with local schools and community groups and provides a welcoming environment where children, teenagers and adults can develop their skills, fitness and teamwork.
The installation of perimeter fencing represents an important first step in the club’s long-term plan to develop a new state-of-the-art astro turf facility, replacing the existing grit pitch which has served the club since 1990.
Funding from the Cairde Credit Union Community Initiative Fund will help secure the site, protect equipment and allow groundwork preparations to begin, bringing the club closer to delivering a modern sports facility that will benefit both the club and the wider West Waterford community.
