Wicklow sheds, youth centres and cancer supports to share €200,000 in community funding

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Community organisations across Wicklow are celebrating this week as dozens of local projects received confirmation of funding under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.

While the national announcement highlighted €7 million in grants across more than 4,100 projects, the Wicklow story is defined by the specific groups now benefitting from the county’s €199,043.66 allocation.

In Newtown, six community groups have secured €5,735, marking a steady rise in successful applications. Cllr Danny Alvey said it was “positive news for local community groups in Newtown,” noting that he has worked with voluntary organisations each year and that “the number of successful grants have been steadily climbing.”

Among this year’s recipients is the Wicklow Hills Residents Association, awarded €1,000 to support its newly formed committee and early community initiatives. Cllr Alvey said he hopes to help even more groups apply next January when the next round opens.

Across Wicklow, the funding is reaching organisations whose work is deeply embedded in local life. Purple House Cancer Support in Bray, one of the county’s most recognised charities, is among those benefitting.

Tánaiste Simon Harris praised groups like Purple House, saying the LEP is “about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs,” and highlighting organisations that “fill the gaps and meet needs that too often go unmet”. He said Purple House “makes a real difference” to families in Wicklow and beyond.

In west Wicklow, mountain rescue teams, including those operating around the Wicklow Mountains near Blessington, Glendalough, and Glenmalure, are also receiving support. These volunteer led emergency services operate in some of the county’s most challenging terrain and rely heavily on community fundraising.

The Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue team.

The LEP grants will help them upgrade essential gear and maintain facilities that are critical to their operations.

“From Purple House in Bray to the mountain rescue teams in the west of the county, this funding reaches so many and will make a real difference,” the Tánaiste said.

Men’s and Women’s Sheds across Wicklow are also benefitting, including sheds in Arklow, Baltinglass, Wicklow town, and Aughrim.

These sheds provide social connection, practical skills training, and community support, particularly for older residents. The grants will help them purchase tools, improve workshop spaces, and upgrade heating and safety equipment.

Youth centres in Bray, Arklow, Blessington, and Roundwood are receiving funding to improve facilities used for after‑school programmes, youth clubs, and outreach services. Many of these centres rely on small capital grants to maintain safe, accessible spaces for young people. The LEP funding will support minor renovations, IT upgrades, and essential equipment purchases.

Parish halls and community centres, including those in Kilcoole, Ashford, Rathdrum, Carnew, and Enniskerry, are also set to benefit. These halls host everything from fitness classes to parent‑and‑toddler groups, local meetings, drama rehearsals, and charity events. The grants will help with repairs, accessibility improvements, and upgrades to lighting, heating, and kitchen facilities.

Local sports clubs across Wicklow, including GAA, soccer, athletics, and martial arts clubs in Greystones, Wicklow town, Arklow, and Baltinglass, are receiving support for equipment, storage improvements, and small‑scale facility upgrades. These clubs are central to community life, providing activities for children and adults alike.

Cllr Peir Leonard, who sits on Wicklow’s Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), explained how the funding is processed locally.

“These grants are administered by a team of Wicklow County Council staff in the Community Deptartment and passed through the LCDC committee which I sit on for approval before they go back up the chain to Pobal for final sign off,” she said.

Cllr Leonard emphasised the role of volunteers and staff in ensuring the applications are successful.

“Thank you to each and everyone of these groups across the county who volunteer. Hopefully these small but important grants might help support the development of your projects.”

She also acknowledged the behind‑the‑scenes work of council staff.

“Again thank you to all the local staff who played a big part in pushing these small grants through. We are grateful,” she said.

The Tánaiste encouraged Wicklow groups to stay engaged with the LCDC to ensure they are aware of future rounds of funding and other supports available. With applications opening each January, local representatives say they hope to see even more organisations apply next year, particularly residents’ associations and smaller volunteer groups that may not have applied before.

The LEP 2026 funding marks another step in strengthening Wicklow’s community infrastructure.

From Bray’s cancer support services to Newtown’s residents’ associations, from mountain rescue teams to parish halls and youth centres, the programme is reaching deep into the fabric of Wicklow’s towns and villages.

Funding is also going to Blue Dolphins Special Olympics and Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding.

The county’s allocation of €199,043.66 is a significant increase on the €147,000 provided in 2024 and the number of groups benefitting has risen from 149 to 208.