Minister’s whistlestop Galway tour gets strong sense of community spirit
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht undertook a whistlestop tour of the west of the county recently – experiencing the best of community endeavour on his travels.
Minister Dara Calleary was dropping in to see a number of projects which were all funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht – and they will deliver essential services and support local communities.
The Minister’s visit began in Clifden where he officially opened the new offices of Forum Connemara CLG, the local development company responsible for delivering a range of rural and community development programmes across the region.
One of the organisation’s recent initiatives was the development of the Clifden Community Garden, uniting local residents, members of the Ukrainian community and residents of the local IPAS centre through weekly gardening activities.
During the visit, Forum Connemara also showcased a number of projects approved under the 2023–2027 LEADER programme in West Galway.
This included funding of over €13,000 for the West Connemara Community First Responder Group to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), first aid equipment and PPE.
Funding of over €47,000 was also approved for Cuanmara Consultancy Limited to support the development of specialist rural services relating to aquaculture, commercial diving and marine science.
“Forum Connemara carries out invaluable work in supporting communities across the region through programmes such as LEADER and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme,” said the Minister.
“These programmes provide rural communities with the resources and supports necessary to bring about meaningful local change, and this work would not be possible without the commitment and expertise of organisations like Forum Connemara,” he added.
The Minister also officially opened the refurbished Clifden Arts Festival office on Bridge Street, Clifden.
With support of €50,500 provided through the Community Recognition Fund, refurbishment works were carried out to improve the functionality, accessibility and energy efficiency of the facility.
The upgraded space will support a broad range of community and cultural activities including youth projects, visual arts initiatives, heritage events, Irish language activities and community meetings.
He then travelled to Maam for the opening of a new community car park at Ionad Pobail an Mháma, supported under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The project received funding of over €177,000 and involved the construction of a new car park to support walkers using the Western Way, as well as a range of community and outdoor recreation events organised locally throughout the year.
The final stop of the Minister’s visit was Leenane Community Park, where funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLÁR Programme has supported major improvements to the former Kilbride GAA pitch site.
Works carried out at the park include upgraded walkways, seating areas, picnic benches and accessible parking facilities.
Additional CLÁR funding also supported the installation of sensory play equipment to help ensure the park is accessible and enjoyable for all members of the community.