Examples of Private Projects supported under the
National Rural Development Programme

Jackie Clancy

Jackie Clancy The Neale, Ballinrobe, Owner of Templecarrig House Bed & Breakfast has had a love for the restoration of old farm machinery for some time and decided to establish a small scale museum to compliment his accommodation and to give tourism in the area a boost.

Jackie came to South West Mayo Development Company to seek help with his plans to design a visitor centre, including an old farmers cottage, display and resource room, a dairy, cart shed and general courtyard display. Jackie was approved for funding under the National Rural Development Programme and received ¤21,872.06 in grant aid. His business is booming and he is offering tours of his facility to tourists staying in the area.

Michael Malone Situated in Ballyglass, County Mayo Michael started off on a small scale manufacturing farm machinery in 1999. He manufactures machinery such as toppers, round bale handlers and transporters, post drivers (which he has patented) and log splitters. Michael has build up a considerable customer base in both Ireland and the U.K. Some products have also been exported to Sweden and Germany . Customers also include the local farming community. Michael applied to South West Mayo Development Company under the National Rural Development Programme to extend his premises in 2002 and was approved a grant of ¤45,000. Michael now employs seven people. The business is going from strength to strength.

Owenwee Kennels

Pat Cox has had a lifetime ambition to set up an ultra-modern canine complex to include boarding kennels and for gundog training facilities. In 2003 Pat approached South West Mayo Development Co. with his project proposal and was awarded a grant of ¤31,500, under the National Rural Development Programme.

Pat has had dogs all his life and some of his present dogs have awards in the Irish Spaniel Championships and he has represented his country on numerous occasions in gundog events. Pat is also an 'A' panel judge for the Irish Kennel Club. The kennels are open Mon-Sat 9.30 to 6.00pm and Sun. 11-1pm and a worthwhile visit for all dog lovers.

Flannery's

Mr. & Mrs. Flannelly have been involved in tourism since 1998 when they opened their 4* self catering accommodation for business. Since '98 they have built up a good tourism business with a lot of repeat visitors. However they saw the need to be innovative and offer something additional that would give them a year round competitive advantage, attract visitors out of season and increase income.

Thy owned an old stone building to the rear of the self catering accommodation and decided to renovate it and install a relaxation area including Jacuzzi and a sauna. The Flannelly's were awarded a grant under the National Rural Development Programme, Agri tourism measure.