BUILDING work on the new Ennis Scout Hall is hoped to be complete by March 2021, however it has been confirmed that the Ennis scouts still have a shortfall in funding for the development and need to raise €115,000.
The Ennis Scouts 1st and 4th have recently been successful in securing a community grant from the Ennis Municipal District of €10,000 with Fiona Staunton, chairperson, saying, “We are very grateful for this and also for the recognition by the town councillors in the asset this development will be to the community. Building work is moving along and we hope to be finished by March 2021. However, we still have a shortfall.”
The scouts have now launched an appeal to businesses in Ennis to support the development saying, “We cannot achieve our goal without the continued support of the wider community”.
According to Fiona, “We are acutely aware that many businesses are struggling at the moment but believe this project has the capacity to bring people into town and hopefully they will then support the local economy.”
The voluntary organisation have written to local businesses seeking their support. The letter points out that the new building will serve 200 local scout members and act as a central location that can be used by all scouting groups throughout the county.
The letter states, “Three years ago, we began fundraising for a new Scout Hall, as the original 1960s prefabricated building was no longer fit for purpose. To build a hall that both Ennis Scouts and the Ennis community could be proud of, we need to raise €480,000. Through continuous fundraising, and government grants we raised a significant proportion of this sum. However, to complete the project we have a shortfall of €115,000 which we must now make up by other means.
“To this end we are hoping local businesses would find our project worth supporting. We understand times are very difficult at present, but this is why we believe a project like ours is so important. To get our building finished, even with all the obstacles we face, would be a major achievement and something Ennis could be proud of for decades to come.”
As well as the appeal to businesses, the Ennis Scouts are continuing to run their Buy a Brick campaign. Businesses who wish to offer their support can contact Nicky Moloney (087) 9917359, Seamus Mulligan (087) 0601687, Fiona Staunton (087) 2328113.
Details of the project, tax relief and more can also be found on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ennisscouts.
Since their foundation in 1932 Ennis Scouts have always had a home on Station Road on the grounds of Ennis Cathedral. However according to Fiona “the building is no longer fit for purpose in the 21st century”.
Planning was granted to knock and re-build the existing one-story structure and replace with a purpose built two-storey building. Just before Covid-19 the scouts said goodbye to their old hall and launched the Buy A Brick campaign, with Fiona saying they greatly appreciate all donations. She also acknowledged the support of the community centre in Chapel Lane and the Clarecastle Scouts for providing facilities to the Ennis group while waiting for the new hall to be complete.