New Achill GAA Community Resource Centre is officially opened

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has officially opened the Achill GAA Community Resource Centre.

The building of the facility was supported with funding from the government’s Sports Capital Programme.

Minister Ring said: “This is a wonderful day for the local community here in Achill. Achill GAA was allocated a total of €80,000 under the 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme towards the development of the Clubhouse and €65,000 under the 2015 Programme towards the development of the dressing rooms, showers and toilets.

“Having approved the latter allocation while I was Minister for Sport and Tourism, I am particularly delighted to open this wonderful facility.

“Judging by the splendid facilities, it is obvious that considerable time and planning has gone into this project which will benefit the local community for many years to come.

“I was also delighted to be in a position to provide a further €32,000 under the my department’s Clár Programme last year to reinstate the lighting for HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) Medical Evacuation Site at Achill GAA.

“The Sports Capital Programme which is currently overseen by my colleague, Minister Brendan Griffin TD, the Minister for Sport and Tourism, provides funding to voluntary, sporting and community organisations for the provision of sports and recreational facilities.

“Having been responsible for the Sports Capital Programme for five years as Minister for Sport and Tourism, I am fully aware of the transformative impact the Programme has had on the sporting landscape of Ireland. It has helped improve the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city in the country.”

Minister Ring concluded: “I believe that Achill is really starting to take off and is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Only last week, I opened a major extension to the Achill Experince aquarium in Keel and also cut the ribbon on the new section of greenway from Achill Sound to Saula, both of which were supported with funding from my department.”

Pictured at the official opening were Councillor Paul McNamara, Michael Lavelle of Michael Lavelle Contractors Ltd (Builder), Michael D McNamara, club development officer, Daragh Gallagher, club secretary, Marty Gallagher, club chairman;,and Hughie McGinty, club treasurer; Photo: Michael Donnelly