Local community groups express delight at receiving cash injection to invest in new technologies
Five community groups in Galway 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 Mill House Farm, which has plans to increase its presence online; Corrib Computer Training, which is expanding its educational programmes for young people to learn about coding mobile apps; Coiste Meithil Oibre Kilenne Teoranta, which is using technology to host in-class workshops for various community groups; Comhlacht Forbartha An Spideil, with plans to develop its website to serve the local area; and the Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre, which is looking to promote its work online to reach new audiences.
David McCourt, founder of RISE and Chairman of Granahan McCourt and NBI, commented: “At the RISE Community Fund, we’relooking for community groups, charities, small businesses and social enterprises in rural areas who were exploring how technology can scale the impact of their work. I’m delighted to say that since opening applications in Galway, the response has been incredible and now we’re excited to be awarding grants to our five 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.
Clodagh ni Ghoill-Mullin from Coiste Meithil Oibre Kilenne Teoranta, commented: “As a voluntary community group, we’re absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this grant from RISE, as it will enhance our ability to use technology to support the delivery of our programmes to the Island community at the sports facility. As a community group, responsible for the community sports field at Páirc Einne on Inis Mór, we promote sports through the Irish language, provide access to the island community and can cater to all types of sports. This grant will help modernise these community services which are important for so many people on the island.”
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 Galway.”
Read more about the Community Fund at www.riseglobalfoundation.com
Image: Laura Daly Corrib Computer Training with her Children Lily11 and Zoe 6 and Orla O’Malley, Programme Director, RISE Community Fund and Niall Beirne, Head of Internal Communications & Strategic Partnerships, NBI. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure
