South Mayo community hear about plans for new recreational centre

MEMBERS of the south Mayo community have heard first-hand about plans to develop a new community recreational centre for Claremorris, at an information night held in the McWilliam Park Hotel.

Joint chairpersons Catríona Doherty and Jarlath Sweeney introduced the members of the committee and shared the ambitious vision of a best-in-class, inclusive 'community recreational centre for all', young and old, that will serve the growing community of Claremorris for generations to come.

Attendees got a full overview of the activities to date and project plan for the proposed development. They also had the chance to ask questions, provide input, and view the initial architectural drawings to get a clear sense of the scale and scope of what such an amenity can provide.

Feasibility Study

The meeting included a presentation from independent consultants Padraic and Nollaig McGuinness of PMG Consult, who will be conducting a feasibility study to assess the demand and substantiate the opportunity of such a development, beginning in December.

This will quantify the economic, social and health impact. But it will also incorporate insights from an extensive engagement and consultation process with the community, including:

● The launch of a citizen survey.

● Consultation with stakeholders (sports and community groups).

● Engagement with the agencies involved in the planning and funding of such a development.

● A series of thematic workshops to capture additional cross-sections of the community.

Fundraising

The committee highlighted that key to the realisation of this project is to be ready to apply for State funding when the relevant channel opens up. That means being ‘shovel ready’ (planning permission granted) and having the needed match funding available. This calls on the entire community, including businesses, to get behind the project and support all fundraising activities #inthistogether.

The first major fundraising event will be the Lip Sync Battle, taking place on February 22 next.

The committee announced the title sponsor and charity partner for this event - Corrib Oil has taken a lead in coming on board as the title sponsor of this event, underscoring their commitment to the community of Claremorris and its hinterlands.

Sensational Kids is the chosen charity partner. Sensational Kids operates out of Claremorris and serves the entire province of Connaught, providing affordable and accessible therapy to children and adolescents with additional needs. The charity was chosen because of its mission to give all young people an opportunity for a better future, to realise their full potential, and because of its location in the heart of Claremorris.

For more information about the project, email claremorrisrecreationalcentre@gmail.com or visit https://www.claremorrisrecreationalcentre.ie/.