Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Senator Aisling Dolan welcomes funding for groups all across County Galway under Measure 1 of the CLÁR programme focused on community amenities in rural areas. Minister Heather Humphreys announced funding under the Department of Rural & Community Development for CLÁR
With funding of €412,486 for CLÁR Measure 1, we are seeing a major impact for community groups, schools and clubs all across Galway. This government funding for the Dept of Rural & Community Development has a major impact for town and villages across Galway. In 2022 the budget for CLÁR was increased by my Fine Gael colleague Minister Heather Humphreys from €5.5 million to €7 million - it is part of ‘Our Rural Future’ strategy and Fine Gael’s focus on Stronger Communities. Minister Heather Humphreys has also visited counties especially in the West including Galway just a few weeks past in July and met with lots of community groups in Ballinasloe as well as around the county.
I’ve worked with the Minister to highlight the need for improved facilities in our region and East Galway has fared well with a high number of successful applications. These funds will give a real boost to the local area and well done to all.
Ballinasloe Rugby Club has been successful with Sports Capital funding to upgrade the pitch area and success builds on success with another round of funding here of €32,400 to build a walking track around the two pitches. Well done to chairperson Tom Waters and all the committee for a strong application. With great space for parking this could be the go-to place for that evening walk away from the busy road – and for all the mums and dads bringing kids to training, they can enjoy a sprint around the pitches in between roaring on Ballinasloe when matches are playing!
I’m also delighted to see funding for our new ClonTúskert Community Development Group which is bringing so many projects to the fore. Congratulations to Maria Brennan chairperson of the committee and Damien Curley on successful funding over €30,000 to upgrade the parking, lighting at pitch grounds as well as painting, heating of the building and including a seating and outdoor area. A Sports Day is planned for Sunday 28th August so do check it out. The group had the opportunity to meet with Minister Heather Humphreys a few weeks ago in Ballinasloe and this is only the start of many projects with the vision of this group to develop amenities in Clontuskert.
I was happy to host Minister Heather Humphreys on a visit to Mountbellew as well where she opened the new Galway Rural Development office in the town and met with community and sports groups. Today Mountbellew-Moylough GAA have won the maximum amount of funding under Measure 1 in CLÁR with €50,000 to develop a walking track and to improve the parking area which is much needed. With a lack of lighting in winter months - families couldn’t use the playgrounds or pitches for training – now this funding will make a big impact and provide lighting in the area. Thank you to all the committee for this application to increase accessibility to pitches and playground.
Ahascragh-Fohenagh GAA club has also won €49,500 funding to upgrade the carpark – to make it level and it is in much need of proper surfacing.
Clonberne Community Centre has also received €50,000 to make the centre more accessible from the road and to develop a pollinator area. Thank you to local Councillor Peter Keaveney for all his work in the local area to support these projects.
Galway County Council are also putting more resources to regeneration of our rural areas and working with community groups. For groups who would like to find out more do get in touch with my office on 087 940 0383.
The work of volunteers in each of these community groups, as well as parents and coaches in clubs & schools are the backbone of our communities and drive progress. Each local development is another reason for a family to think about moving to small town or village in Galway. And everyone has a skill from helping with a fundraiser, to giving a hand with social media or helping with the clubhouse or community centre. Think about how you can help develop your club, school, centre for the years ahead and link in with your local community group – now’s the time if you have an hour or two!
