Minister of State McHugh turns the first sod at new community centre in An Fál Carrach, Co. Donegal

Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh TD, has turned the first sod today (Friday) at the site of a new community centre in An Fál Carrach, Co. Donegal.

Minister of State McHugh announced in August that he had sanctioned a grant of up to €466,000 for Coiste Forbartha an Fháil Charraigh, to help them build the new community centre.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State said: “I am delighted to turn the first sod for this centre, which will add significantly to the amenities in the area and will be an important support for local development, particularly in the context of the implementation of the language planning process.

“The local committee has been dealing with the development of this centre for some time, and I would like to acknowledge the great work they have done over the years led by Paul Anthony McFadden.

“As Minister of State for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht, I want to support the Gaeltacht community in preserving and promoting the language.

“In developing community facilities such as this in An Fál Carrach, we are supporting these efforts in a very practical way.”

Minister McMugh also praised contractor John Russell and architect Adam Leadley, Letterkenny, for their work so far, with 30 people expected to be employed on site over the next year by contractors and sub-contractors.

“I am looking forward to returning in 11 or 12 months time when this project is completed,” added the Minister.

This grant is being sanctioned under the action area: The Gaeltacht as part of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.