Examples of Community Projects supported under the National Rural Development Programme

Kilmaine Community Centre

South West Mayo Development Company was approached by Patsy Shaughnessy on behalf of Kilmaine Community Centre to seek guidance and funding for the renovation of the Parochial Hall in Kilmaine. The hall lay unused for years and Kilmaine Community council hoped to obtain it from the parish for the use of the wider community. The finished building would be accessible, and would have suitable spaces and rooms to meet the needs of the whole community.

In August 2002, Kilmaine Community Centre was awarded a grant of euro65,000 and by June 2003 the centre was complete and in use to it full capacity. Groups that benefit from the centre now include, senior citizens, community games, acting and drama groups Foroige group bingo, dancing classes and the centre can now stage concerts, exhibitions, conferences and community meetings.

Clogher Environmental Group

The 'Labourer's Cottage' is set in a small garden with a display of old farm implements and machinery to the front and orchard to the rear.

It is the final piece to this attractive small complex of forge and cottage with garden. The cottage, like the forge before it, was grant supported (euro8776) through the National Rural Development Plan and built by a team of workers on the local FÁS scheme, who used their combined skills in stone, wood and metal work as well as learning the art of plastering and thatching. Local suppliers were used for all materials and the small sash windows were made, again locally, especially for the cottage.

It is envisaged that the complex will become part of an educative programme for local school children, bringing local history to life in an immediate and meaningful way. Clogher also has many attractive and historically interesting local walks and the garden of the cottage will make a beautiful stop off point for local people and visitors alike. The dream is indeed a reality, thanks to the vision and hard work of a dedicated community.

Clew Bay Trail In 2002, a group of voluntary people from Murrisk, Westport , Louisburgh and Clare Island submitted an application for funding to promote and develop the Clew Bay Trail. The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail gives tourist and locals alike a chance to explore 6000 years of this areas heritage. Stretching 35km, the trail has 21 sites which tell intricate stories of how people lived, loved, farmed, fought, prayed, mourned and danced. Along the trail you can see rock art, which dates back as far as the Egyptian pyramids, you can visit one of the best examples of a megalithic tomb in the country or reflect on the thousands that perished in Mayo during the Great Famine. You can wander around the island home of Granuaile, the famous seafaring Queen, or marvel at the aligned standing stones with the setting sun during the winter solstice over Croagh Patrick.

Many of the sites are close to roadways and are easily accessible the sites are distinctively sign posted and all bear the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail Logo. This project received funding under the National Rural Development Programme to the value of euro17,519, and was developed in conjunction with South West Mayo Development Company, Comhdhail Oileain na h-Eireann, and MayoCounty Council. Visit the Clew Bay Trail Website.

Museums of Mayo

The Museums of Mayo Network put a proposal to South West Mayo Development Co., Meitheal Forbatha na Gealtachta, Western Rural Development and Comhar Iorrais, in order to seek funding for a marketing plan for cottage museums and community based tourism museums in these four areas. The primary focus of the marketing plan was to identify strategies and activities which would raise awareness of the existence, objectives and location of centres of historical and heritage importance.

Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre

The Network received a grant of euro13,215, for the design and print of a brochure. This brochure documents museums such as the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, Clew Bay Heritage Centre and many more throughout County Mayo. The brochures were printed in English, Irish, French, Italian and German, and are available in Tourist offices and other public places around Mayo. There is also information on the world wide web on the Museums of Mayo Website.

Belcarra Eviction Cottage

Transnational Projects

South West Mayo Development Company are working with Armagh LEADER and Rural Stirling in Scotland, on a project involving B&B providers in all three areas. Failte Ireland have delivered three training modules to this group. One in Ireland which was held in the Murrisk Community Centre, one in Armagh and one in Scotland.

The group of B&B providers from Ireland, N. Ireland & Scotland
receiving their certificate of participation in the Failte Ireland Training.

 

Paddy McDermott (B&B Provider), Angela Bane(Course Tutor),
Gerry O'Neill (South West Mayo Development Company),
Sr Maureen Lally (board members South West Mayo Development Company)
Suzanne O'Toole (South West Mayo Development Company).