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Update from Claregalway Community Development Association |
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Written by Vincent Lyons
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Friday, 13 February 2009 |
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 Didn’t Claregalway look well during the Christmas period with the Christmas Lights along the
village. This was all possible with the financial support of the Claregalway Business Association
who with funding from Eamon O’Cuiv’s Department managed to light up one side of the village.
The castle looked very impressive also thanks to EamonnO’Donoghue owner of the castle for that
display. Discussions have already commenced with the ESB to light up the other side of the village
for next Christmas.
We are also in the middle of the planning process for the provision of a River walk along the banks
of the River Clare starting at the handball alley and travelling along the riverbank for a distance of
approx. 1km. This will provide a wonderful amenity for the community as well as an educational
facility for the children of the area exposing them to the ecology of the river and its surrounds.
Decision on planning application due before end of month
The second defibrillator for the area will be installed shortly as soon as training is completed for
the groups who use the centre the most. This defibrillator was funded by a new program of grants
initiated by the Community & Enterprise section of Galway County Council. A second training
program will commence in the New Year organised by the Development Association.
The second stage of the QBC from Kiniska to the Bridge on the Tuam side of the village is currently
under construction and the Development Association were to the forefront in addressing safety
issues at Kiniska junction where the plans as originally proposed would have removed the safe
turning lane into Kiniska. This is to remain, thus ensuring that this junction will remain safe. We
are monitoring the construction works to ensure safety for all who use the road as we know the
area better than anyone.
We also made a comprehensive submission to the forthcoming County Development Plan which
will dictate the future strategy for the development of the county for the next 6 years and more
importantly for the development of Claregalway into the future. We are working very closely with
Jim Cuddy on this.
Work will continue working in 2009 to use our voice in delivering critical infrastructure for the
area. The bypass or Relief Road as it is now known will have to have an EIS done. We are pushing
for this to be completed as quickly as possible. The long awaited treatment plant is awaiting
final approval from the Department. We continue to work to get additional space for the school
incorporating a playground for the children of the village. We have plans for a major fund raising
event to fund the activities of the Development Association over the next few years.
We are working with Údarás na Gaeltachta, Meitheal Furbartha na Gaeltachta and the Dept of the
Gaeltacht, Community & Rural Affairs to increase the use of Irish in the area (Gaeltacht East of the
Corrib) which comprises 23% of the population of the entire Galway Gaeltacht.
We want to develop a Tidy Towns committee for the village. A start was made this year with the
hanging baskets at the bridge and also at the Nine Arches. We are looking for people who have an
interest in Tidy Towns to expand this activity with the eventual aim of entering the village in the
Tidy Towns competition.
Your continued support for the Development Association and the work we do is appreciated, given
that we are in only inexistence for a few years is a testament to the excellent committee we have.
We are always looking for new members to continue this voluntary community work.
Thank you,
Vincent Lyons, Chairman
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