Local community groups express delight at receiving cash injection to invest in new technologies

Four community groups in Louth have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt. 

Established by Granahan McCourt and NBI Chairman, David McCourt, RISE is providing monthly grants across the country for rural community organisations seeking to boost their digital ecosystems. 

Receiving the grants of €1000 each were Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge Centre CLG, with plans to upgrade its communication systems in order to provide an enhanced service to vulnerable women and children seeking the centre’s support; Mattock Rangers GAA Club, which is introducing video conferencing facilities into its social rooms; Louth Village Youth Club, which will be purchasing tablet devices to supports its work providing learning and social activities for young people in the community; and Commercial Club, a members facility supporting local sporting and community events, which has plans to enhance its digital marketing capabilities to promote its services. 

David McCourt, founder of RISE and Chairman of Granahan McCourt and NBI, commented: “When we launched the RISE Community Fund, we were looking for community groups, charities, small businesses and social enterprises in rural areas who were exploring how technology could scale the impact of their work. I’m delighted to say that since opening applications in County Louth, the response has been incredible and now we’re excited to be awarding grants to our four successful applicants. Each one of them is an inspiration, with many volunteering their time and committing a huge amount of energy and passion to bring pride of place to their local community.”

The RISE Community Fund supported by NBI and Granahan McCourt calls on small businesses, charities, community groups and social enterprises to use technology in creative and entrepreneurial ways to deliver maximum impact. 

Shane Irwin from Mattock Rangers GAA Club commented: “Our community centre was fortunate to have recently been installed with high-speed broadband as part of NBI’s rollout of Broadband Connection Points across the country. As a centre, we’re committed to enhancing access to technology so that people in the local community can avail of the benefits. We’re delighted to have been awarded this grant from the RISE Community Fund which will significantly support this work.”

Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI, added: “At NBI, we’re on a mission to connect over 1.1 million people in rural Ireland who don’t have access to high-speed broadband to a world-class, superfast network. Whilst connectivity is a vital utility and a critical first step, it alone can’t solve all of the challenges for businesses, community groups and social enterprises trying to expand the positive impact they’re able to have – both to the local community, and to the wider economy. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to engage local communities with the RISE Community Fund and celebrate innovative uses of technology in Louth.”

Read more about the RISE Community Fund at riseglobalfoundation.com

Photo caption: Orla O’Malley, Programme Director RISE Global Foundation, Mark Leacy, Chairman, Mattock Rangers, Niall Beirne, Head of Internal Communications & Strategic Partnerships, NBI, Irene Kilroy & Susan Keogh, Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge Centre