Members of the committee pictured at a community information session this month. From left: Paraic Whyte, Catríona Doherty, Anna Connolly, Brian Lenihan and Owen Moore.

Campaign to deliver new community recreational centre in south Mayo

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to deliver a new community recreational centre for Claremorris.

Despite having a population of 4,000, and, including its hinterlands, serving a community of up to 10,000 people, Claremorris has no central hub for community and recreational activities or indoor sporting facilities that can provide for the needs of the community, clubs and local schools.

This is a glaring gap and there is a negative impact with residents having to leave the town to access many of the amenities such a centre would provide. For many, this creates barriers and results in social exclusion.

In response, Claremorris Community Recreational Centre Company has been established, with a committee of eight members.

Their mission on behalf of the people of Claremorris is to make this project happen.

They explained: 'While it has taken us until 2024 to put a dedicated project in place, it is a wonderful opportunity to design for now and the future - a community centre for all, that will benefit the whole town, and generations to come.

'We plan to develop, promote and provide inclusive, accessible recreational facilities to meet the needs of the growing and diverse community of Claremorris and its hinterlands in a sustainable manner.'

With the help of State funding and community support, the Claremorris Community Recreational Centre Committee looks forward bringing the following to Claremorris:

* A state-of-the-art indoor sports facility

* A safe space for youth groups

* An accessible multi-functional space for social, cultural and educational activities

The committee shared its plans and vision at a public information night in the town.

A site has been identified for the facility, adjacent to the existing outdoor sporting pitches and athletics track, and in close proximity to the schools, as well as being within walking distance of the town.

Application is to be made for a grant of €2.6 million, with local fundraising events also part of the community effort.

The committee members are joint chairpersons Catriona Costello and Jarlath Sweeney, secretary Anna Connolly (Tighe), treasurers Brian Lenihan and Fiona Hennelly, along with Paraic Whyte, Mark Jordan, LIB QFA, and Owen Moore.

You can follow the project plan, fundraising events and more at the website https://www.claremorrisrecreationalcentre.ie/ and also on their social channels. You can also get in touch by email at claremorrisrecreationalcentre@gmail.com.

Members of the committee at the recent Claremorris Chamber event. From left: Owen Moore, Anna Connolly, Catríona Doherty, Jarlath Sweeney and Paraic Whyte.