New Claremorris projects are officially opened

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has today officially opened Claremorris Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and car park.

Minister Ring allocated over €100,000 for the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) under the CLÁR Programme as well as a further €30,000 for the resurfacing of the carpark which is adjacent to this facility.

The new MUGA is designed to incorporate all rebound Ball Games and is constructed of welded mesh panel fencing with synthetic surfacing to include lights and CCTV. Minister Ring also officially launched the redevelopment project of the Market Square in Claremorris.

Minister Ring said: “This Games Area has been a huge success and is a great outlet for families in the Claremorris area. The cost of the MUGA project was €125,700 with €100,560 approved under the 2016 CLÁR Scheme and the remaining significant funding of €25,140 coming from Mayo County Council.

“I was also delighted to provide funding of €30,000 under the 2017 CLÁR programme for the much needed resurfacing of the carpark which is adjacent to this facility and which serves the MUGA and playground area as well as McMahon Park.

“The MUGA and playground are ideally located beside McMahon Park which incorporates Clare Lake and extensive walking/running trails. The two facilities combine perfectly and have become a recreational hub for the town.

“This area is now a hive of activity throughout the week and at weekends. The benefits are there for all to see and it’s great that people of all ages from Claremorris and neighbouring communities are enjoying these facilities.

Minister Ring continued: “I have worked hard to secure Government funding for McMahon Park. Over €97,000 was provided for improvements to lakeside area and €85,000 was allocated for the new trails which proved extremely popular with local walkers and runners.

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, an important part of my role is providing targeted investments to rural towns, villages and outlying areas, in order to help improve people’s quality of life. I commend all involved in this excellent example of what can be done when everyone works together.”

While in Claremorris, Minister Ring also officially launched the redevelopment project of the Market Square for which he has approved funding of €100,000 under his department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Minister Ring said: “The work we see here, including the new raised paving, will allow the area to be used for outdoor public events and concerts and will be an asset to the town for this and future generations.”

“The main aim of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is to support the revitalisation of towns and villages in order to improve the living and working environment for their communities and we can see that happening here today.

“I recently launched the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme and as part of this Scheme I am asking Local Authorities to, once again, invite Expressions of Interest from the public as to the type of projects that should be funded under the Scheme for 2018.”