Heather Humphreys TD Minister for Rural and Community Development on her recent trip to Waterford formally opened the refurbished Clonea Power Community facility in the former national school in the heart of the village. The former school, which has operated as a Community Hall for many years required major upgrading to allow the continued provision of services from the Centre.
Located in the foothills of the Comeragh’s, the facility is pivotal to the life of the village and the surrounding area. The building is of architectural merit and as well as being a focal point for local services, the façade of the building is worthy of preservation. The upgrading of the building is a good example of the circular economy, where existing facilities are repurposed for communal benefit.
The upgrade, which involved the investment of €357,525 primarily from the LEADER Programme through the Dept of Rural and Community Development, implemented by Waterford LEADER Partnership CLG on behalf of Waterford Local Community Development Committee, Tomar Trust and the Clonea Power Development Group demonstrates what a motivated and structured Community Group like Clonea Power can do to revitalize their own area.
The Committee in Clonea Power have shown through their own investment in the project a practical belief in the future viability of their community.