Joan O’Brien (left) and Kevin Brady, Streete Parish Park, Orla O’Malley, programme director, RISE Global Foundation, and Niall Beirne, head of Internal Communications and Strategic Partnerships, NBI.

RISE Community Fund awards five cash grants in Westmeath

Published: Fri 28 Apr 2023, 9:31 AM

Last updated: Fri 28 Apr 2023, 10:40 AM

Five community groups in Westmeath have received funds 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 for rural community organisations that want to improve their digital systems.

One of the organisations that received a grant (they are €1000 each) was the Streete Parish Park and Sport Complex, which recently became a Broadband Community Point (BCP) under the National Broadband Plan and intends to invest in its online presence and upskill volunteers to pass on digital skills.

Caulry GAA are installing a digital access control system to secure their facility; Westmeath Women’s Sheds will install broadband and purchasing computer equipment for their meeting space; Milltownpass Tidy Towns, have plans to enhance their digital channels to inform their community online; and Bonny Bo will develop an app and online tools to make its services more accessible.

David and Granahan McCourt said: “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.

“We’re delighted to say that since opening applications in County Westmeath, the response has been incredible and now we’re awarding grants to 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.

Kevin Brady, from Streete Parish Park and Sport Complex, said: “We recently had high-speed broadband installed as we became a Broadband Connection Point as part of NBI’s rollout of the National Broadband Plan. That means we have an opportunity to provide free high-speed internet access to the community to benefit from.

“This grant will make a real impact, helping us to develop our online presence and spread the word within the community about the facilities we now have to offer.”

Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI, added: “At NBI, we’re on a mission to connect 1.1 million people in rural Ireland who don’t have access to high-speed broadband to a world-class, superfast network. While 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 Westmeath.”

Read more about the RISE Community Fund at riseglobalfoundation.com.